Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly testing an 'emergency' centre-back pairing (Image: Getty)
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly tested Casemiro as an ‘emergency’ centre-back in training ahead of the Red Devils’ FA Cup clash with Coventry. Ten Hag may end up going into the Wembley showdown with Harry Maguire as his only fit player in the position.
There have been more than 60 separate cases of injuries and illnesses among the United squad this season. While all Premier League teams have struggled with absences, the Old Trafford side have been particularly hit in defensive areas.
Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are all injured.
Harry Maguire and Casemiro (pictured) could reportedly start in defence for Man Utd against Coventry (Image: Getty)
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According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the problem has grown so bad that Ten Hag has tested an ‘emergency’ centre-back pairing of Maguire and Casemiro this week. The duo are reportedly likely to start in the heart of United’s back line against Coventry.
Casemiro is much more comfortable in midfield, although is not entirely a stranger to playing at centre-back having been used there sparingly by former club Real Madrid. He will have the unenviable task of keeping quiet 18-goal striker Ellis Simms, who has already struck five times in the FA Cup this season.
The Brazilian’s move into midfield also gives Ten Hag a dilemma in midfield. Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount are also ruled out of Sunday’s game, although Scott McTominay’s return to training this week was a welcome boost.
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Ten Hag may require an FA Cup triumph to save his job having all but failed in his quest for Champions League qualification. United are 13 points off fourth-placed Aston Villa and seem likelier to enter next season’s Europa League competition.
But the Dutchman says he has no concerns over his job. He points out that a 2-1 victory over Man City in January 2023 was the only time he has had a fully fit squad. “No, I don’t have any concern. What concerns me is that in 18 months I have never had my favourite team on the pitch once because players were injured - that concerns me,” Ten Hag argued.
“In fact there was only one time, against City at home last season. That is the only time I had a full squad to pick my full team."
