Carabao Cup: Why Casemiro was removed vs Newcastle United

Manchester United’s manager Erik ten Hag spoke about Casemiro’s fitness in a post-match press conference, following Manchester United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian, who was absent during the Red Devils’ Sunday’s Premier League derby clash with Manchester City, returned to the squad for the home tie against the Magpies and was given the captain’s armband.

Meanwhile, Man Utd’s main skipper Bruno Fernandes was named among the substitutes as Ten Hag made seven changes to his starting XI.

However, Casemiro only played for the first 45 minutes, during which Newcastle went 2-0 up through well-taken goals by Miguel Almiron, an early replacement for the injured Matt Targett and Lewis Hall.

When asked during his press conference why Casemiro did not re-emerge for the second half, Ten Hag replied:

“He was injured.”

Just before half-time, he got an injury. That’s why we had to take him off.“

The Brazilian was replaced by Sofyan Amrabat, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka came on for Diogo Dalot in a double substitution to start the second half.