Aheed Abrar
Erik ten Hag confirms Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will play vs Real Betis despite looming suspension
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that the midfield duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will feature against Real Betis despite the risk of suspension.
The Portugal and Brazilian internationals have been pivotal for the Red Devils in the current campaign. However, if they were to be booked on Thursday (16 March), in the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 versus the Verdiblancos, they would miss the first leg of the quarter-finals if we progress.
Speaking to the media via ESPN, Ten Hag was wary of Manuel Pellegrini’s team. Therefore, the Dutch manager is ready to risk either of his two star players being cautioned.
“They will play both because it’s a very good opponent. Last week we had a good result but you need your best players, we need a result, we need a win.”
In the reverse fixture against Betis last week, United beat them 4-1 at home. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring in the opening minutes before the Verdiblancos equalised.
However, after the break, the Red Devils put three past the Seville-based club. Fernandes was one of the players who got on the scoresheet alongside Antony and Wout Weghorst.
The Portuguese has had the captain’s armband for most of the season with Harry Maguire on the bench. In the current campaign, the 28-year-old has scored eight goals and has provided 12 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.
As for Casemiro, he has been one of our best players this season. The Old Trafford side signed the Brazilian from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. Since then, the 31-year-old has put in multiple Man of the Match performances.
However, in recent weeks, the defensive midfielder has picked up a couple of red cards. He is set to miss our next four fixtures in domestic competitions.
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- Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has admitted that he could play midfield if asked by the manager
United seemingly have one foot in the next round of the UEL. Therefore, it will be understandable if Ten Hag decides to rotate the squad. However, the Dutch manager is wise in staying vigilant. But it remains to be seen who will make the starting XI.
