Man United have been dealt some cruel injury news, with Erik ten Hag confirming two key players will be out until after Christmas.
The story of Manchester United’s season has been injuries. Sadly, it does not look like ending anytime soon. The Old Trafford side are dealing without major players. They have been since pre-season.
Erik ten Hag has been keen to not use it as an excuse. But is it really an excuse if it’s true? You honestly cannot sit here and tell me that treatment table woes have not played their part in regard to our disastrous start to the campaign.
While it’s true that the likes of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are on the mend and not too far away, we’ve been dealt a major double injury blow, as a key pair are now set to be available until after Christmas, the boss has confirmed.
Lisandro Martinez had to undergo another surgery on a metatarsal problem that did not fully heal, despite both player and club thinking otherwise. The Argentine has been dealing with this issue since April.
Casemiro’s hamstring injury is a more recent one. The club confirmed it’d be a matter of weeks before he’d be back, though to lear it’s now going to be multiple months is gutting.
Check out what the gaffer had to say in full here:
“Casemiro and Martinez are really strong injuries, I don’t expect them back before Christmas.” Ten Hag told media, including Sky Sports.
If you were to list United’s best players from the 2022/23 season, these two would easily be included in the top three along with Marcus Rashford. That just highlights the importance of the pair, explaining why the side just doesn’t look the same without them.
Not only are Martinez and Casemiro excellent players, they’re also on-field leaders. United aren’t anywhere near as mentally-tough without them, wilting far too easily as they’re missing a couple of major cogs.
It does present opportunity for others. The likes of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat will be given more chances in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo, too, upon his injury return. Harry Maguire is playing well at centre-back right now in place of Martinez. Let’s hope his form can last.
Do you think Man United can get by without this duo for so long? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
