Erik ten Hag explains half-time Casemiro substitution in Carabao Cup exit

Erik ten Hag has ruled Casemiro out of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday after he was substituted in the Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle on Wednesday night.

The Red Devils' cup defence came to an end with another 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, this time at the hands of Newcastle, the team they defeated at Wembley in the tournament's final last season. It was United's eighth defeat of the 2023/24 season already in all competitions.

Casemiro made his first start since the October international break, when he sustained an ankle injury playing for Brazil. He stayed in his homeland, having played in the Selecao's games against Venezuela and Uruguay, and missed clashes with Sheffield United, Kobenhavn and Manchester City.

Asked post-match about Casemiro's withdrawal, Ten Hag replied: «He was injured. Just before half-time, he got an injury. That's why we had to take him off.»

The Dutchman also ruled the Brazilian out of United's trip to Fulham in Saturday's early Premier League kick-off, adding: «I can't give an answer on that [now]. We have to wait 24 hours, but I think definitely for Saturday, he is out.»

After that visit to Craven Cottage, Man Utd travel to Denmark for their return fixture with Kobenhavn, knowing victory is paramount if they are to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages ahead of Galatasaray, who currently sit second behind Bayern Munich in Group A.

United conclude their pre-November international break business at home against Luton the following weekend.

Ten Hag did manage to welcome Aaron Wan-Bissaka back from injury on Wednesday night but still has a number of absentees as he looks to get his side back on track. Lisandro Martinez remains a long-term absentee while left-backs