Manchester United are gearing up for a crucial run of fixtures after the international break, none more important than the fabled Manchester Derby.
Ruben Amorim’s team travel to the Etihad on September 14 to face their bitter rivals in the Premier League.
Manchester City have endured a nervy start to the new campaign, despite investing heavily in the squad this summer. The Citizens are 13th in the league table after three games, with one win and two defeats to their name.
To make matters worse, John Stones has withdrawn from international duty with a muscle injury and his involvement in the upcoming game is now in doubt.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, have only been marginally better than their archnemesis, winning one and losing one of their three league games so far. One of Amorim’s biggest worries has been the middle of the park, where Casemiro has emerged as a vital cog of late.
The Brazilian is likely to be in Amorim’s plans for the Manchester Derby as well. United have now received an unexpected boost in their preparations for the highly anticipated game.
Casemiro looks set for an early return from international duty
Club football is currently on pause as the world indulges in international games. United are already sweating on the fitness of Diogo Dalot, who has left Portugal camp with a muscle issue.
However, there’s one bit of news which will delight the Red Devils.
As relayed by O GLOBO, Casemiro picked up his third yellow card during the 3-0 win over Chile this week, and is now suspended for Brazil’s next game against Bolivia.
Selecao manager Carlo Ancelotti is already planning to turn to Jean Lucas to address the United man’s absence.
Casemiro now believes that United could call him back to Old Trafford ahead of schedule.
Casemiro was linked with an exit this summer
With United eyeing midfield reinforcements this summer, Casemiro was expected to be on his way.
However, the Red Devils failed to rope in a new face for the middle of the park, and the Brazilian ended up staying.
The 33 year old, though, has been an omnipresent figure in Amorim’s team this season, starting all three games in the league.
He has complimented Bruno Fernandes’ adventurous spirit in the middle of the park so far. His early return, as such, could be a huge advantage ahead of the Manchester Derby.
Now that Casemiro won’t feature at the high-altitude Estadio Municipal El Alto, Amorim can have his star man fresh and raring to go against City.
Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
