Erik Ten Hag Beware Of The Possibility Of Casemiro's Absence In The Manchester Derby

Manchester United doesn't want to lose to city rivals at home. (photo: Twitter @ManUtd)

JAKARTA - Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, said that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is currently under treatment for recovering from injury against Manchester City, Sunday, October 29, at Old Traford Stadium. Casemiro has suffered an ankle injury while playing for the Brazilian national team. Now his presence in the Manchester derby is uncertain.

This Manchester derby will be in the spotlight of the world of football, where treble champions Manchester City will try to end Manchester United's three-game winning trend in a row. United have won the three wins against Brentford, Sheffield United, and Copenhagen, but better performance is needed if they want to face City handled by Pep Guardiola.

The battle in midfield was key, and Ten Hag revealed that his side might lose Casemiro for the third straight game due to an ankle injury.

"Aaron Wan-Bissaka has returned to training today (Friday 27 October) and Casemiro is still in the race against time. It has not reached 100 percent," said the Dutch coach.

Casemiro was already training before the Champions League match against Copenhagen, but he couldn't play due to card accumulation. United had to struggle to win 1-0 against the Danish team. The match against City could determine United's mood at a crucial stage this season.

"You can see that we are returning to the desired level where we are a difficult team to beat. They found a way to win, so we moved in the right direction. I think this match is above many other derbys. It's huge because it's Manchester, internally," said Ten Hag.

"For example, but I think it's also about world football and all eyes will be on this game around the world. They are six points ahead, we are six points behind, so we have to catch up. We know we have to develop the team, so we have to make developments," he said.

On the other hand, Pep Guardiola distanced City from the two supporters who performed a harsh chant about Sir Bobby Charlton's death in their match against Brighton last week. City have sentenced the two supporters and declared that they "do not represent" the club.

This derby match will be full of emotion after the death of Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton. Before the match, Manchester United will hold one minute of applause as a final tribute to Charlton.

Guardiola hopes City's supporters will be respectful, and he condemns the behavior of the two convicted supporters and barred from attending City's home and away games.

"They don't represent us. Alcoholic drinks can lead to bad behavior in someone," said Guardiola.

"Our players have great respect for Manchester United, especially the icon of Sir Bobby Charlton. We will participate in this respect for Manchester United and English football," said the Spaniard.

Player Forecast

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Silva; Doku, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland