Manchester United’s preparations for their Premier League trip to Aston Villa have been hampered by a one-match suspension for midfielder Casemiro, following his fifth yellow card of the season in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
The Brazilian was cautioned by referee Simon Hooper for a foul on Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, triggering an automatic ban. He will join Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui on the sidelines, with all three players away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Additionally, manager Ruben Amorim was unable to call upon Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt for the Bournemouth game due to injury, leaving the squad further depleted for the weekend's encounter against Unai Emery’s side.
With Casemiro unavailable, Amorim faces a choice between Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte to fill the midfield void. Mainoo replaced Casemiro during the Bournemouth match, but Ugarte’s defensive qualities may be favoured away from home.
United’s recent 4-4 draw saw them relinquish the lead multiple times, with Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick briefly putting them ahead before Bournemouth equalised late on.
