Three ways Manchester United could line-up in midfield without Casemiro vs Sheffield United

Manchester United will have to make do without midfield enforcer Casemiro when they travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Saturday evening.

The 31-year-old, who joined United from Real Madrid in August 2022, will miss the trip to South Yorkshire because of a "small issue" he sustained on international duty with Brazil. He requested to come off in last week's 1-1 draw with Venezuela, complaining about an ankle problem, but was deemed strong enough to start the 2-0 defeat to Uruguay a few days later.

Casemiro, on United's advice, has stayed in Brazil to "recover as swiftly as possible", meaning he will miss out this weekend. He has started each of the club's opening 11 games in all competitions this season.

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Unlike last season, however, his absence might not be felt as hard this time around, with his recent performances proving well below his usual high standards. He has regressed this season, failing to dominate proceedings in midfield in the same way he did last term.

At the same time, however, he remains a valued figure in Erik ten Hag's thinking and would have almost certainly been in line to start at Bramall Lane if not injured. It means, therefore, the United boss will be forced into making a big chance to his team.

Below, MEN Sport has taken a close look at three ways the Reds could possibly line-up without the Brazilian.

Drafted in on transfer deadline day to provide both cover and competition for Casemiro in the defensive-midfield berth, the stage is set for Sofyan Amrabat to become destroyer-in-chief. He started in one of the two holding midfield roles against Brentford