Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko are both absent from Manchester United's squad for their Premier League clash at Sunderland due to minor injuries. The Brazilian midfielder picked up a knock, while Sesko continues to struggle with a persistent shin problem.
Casemiro's minor injury
Casemiro sustained a minor injury ahead of the match, but Manchester United are confident he will be fit to feature at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest next Sunday. The 34-year-old is in the final stages of his United career and is expected to leave on a free transfer after the season concludes. His absence, along with Manuel Ugarte's back problem, has left manager Michael Carrick with limited options in midfield. Mason Mount makes his first start under Carrick in place of the injured duo.
Sesko's shin issue
Benjamin Sesko misses out after failing to overcome a nagging shin injury. The striker was withdrawn at half-time during United's 3-2 victory over Liverpool last week. Carrick acknowledged the doubt in his pre-match press conference, stating, "He's obviously come off with a shin issue, so we'll see." He later confirmed, "Ben's been carrying a shin problem for some time and he took another quite a big bang on it. Obviously, he had to come off last week, so he wasn't ready today." Joshua Zirkzee replaces Sesko, earning his first start under Carrick.
Team outlook
Despite the absences, Carrick expressed confidence in his squad. "We've got a really strong team today. I'm looking forward to seeing the boys play and perform, and finish the season strong," he said. Casemiro had completed the full 90 minutes in each of the previous four matches, not missing a game since a suspension for yellow card accumulation before Christmas. United face Sunderland, then host Nottingham Forest, and travel to Brighton & Hove Albion in their remaining fixtures.
