Due to the ongoing injury crisis, Manchester United could turn to unlikely options at centre-back on Saturday against Chelsea.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are both absent due to their controversial suspensions, with Matthijs de Ligt out of contention for Manchester United since December.
But matters got more pressing when Leny Yoro didn’t travel for the Chelsea game, picking up an injury which could have just ended his season.
This left Ayden Heaven as the sole natural centre-back available to Michael Carrick, meaning he will be partnered by someone playing out of position. One likely option is Casemiro.
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Ayden Heaven is the one senior centre-back available
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Casemiro’s record playing centre-back for Manchester United
Absent a debut for Sonny Aljofree or Albert Mills, United’s options to play on the right side of defence are Noussair Mazraoui or Casemiro.
In a back four, the Brazilian is the better option with more experience in this role.
In his career, Casemiro has played 13 games as a central defender, eight of which coming for United.
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For United, his record as a centre-back is decent with five wins, two losses and a draw in eight, with two wins in his other five outings at centre-back.
United have conceded 13 goals in eight games with Casemiro at centre-back which is far from a confidence building record.
Mazraoui would be the alternative, but his form doesn’t suggest he would be a better option right now.
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Casemiro’s most infamous night for United was at centre-back
Nobody wants to see Casemiro at centre-back, both because of his importance in midfield, but also because of the last time he was utilised here in the Premier League.
This goes back two years to Selhurst Park when United were utterly thrashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace.
This was the performance that saw Jamie Carragher declare the football had left Casemiro, something he has since retracted, but we are yet to see whether this verdict was accurate for the Brazilian as a centre-back.
Casemiro will have to handle his national team compatriot Joao Pedro if he is to start at centre-back, which is exactly the kind of player that could concern the number 18.
It will be a big physical test for Casemiro if Carrick decides to start him.
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