Despite being named on Manchester United’s bench ahead of kick-off, Casemiro was absent from the matchday squad entirely when the Reds walked out at Wembley last Saturday.
Indeed, the Brazilian’s status sparked confusion leading up to the FA Cup final after he was included in the club’s line-up reveal on social media, yet omitted from the team sheets handed out to journalists in attendance.
Prior to the tie, Casemiro had been deputising at centre-half for over a month due to United’s defender shortage, so when Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane were deemed fit enough to start from the offset, there was no place for Casemiro in the back line.
As well as that, Erik ten Hag had surprisingly opted to award Sofyan Amrabat a place in the 11 along with Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, although the latter was operating a move advanced role further up the pitch.
It was later announced that Willy Kambwala had taken Casemiro’s place on the bench, with the 32-year-old forced to withdraw late on due to injury concerns.
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BBC Sport has revealed that the ex-Real Madrid stalwart specifically requested that he not be involved after feeling tightness in his hamstring, therefore not wanting to risk any further damage.
Still, Casemiro ended the day with yet another medal and piece of silverware to add to his illustrious honours list. He opted to skip the club’s after-party and jet off on holiday for some well-deserved rest.
Judging by recent speculation, it remains to be seen if he’ll be a United player when the squad return for the 2024/2025 campaign.
