Manchester United faces a looming crisis that could cripple their squad – suspensions and international duty are threatening to leave them severely depleted! But here's the question: can manager Ruben Amorim navigate this perfect storm, or will it derail their season? Let's dive into the crucial updates coming out of Old Trafford.
Tom Sunderland, Sports Writer
06:30, 28 Nov 2025
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is about to hit Manchester United hard. Manager Ruben Amorim is preparing for the likely departure of three key players: Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui, all expected to represent their respective nations. This is a massive blow, forcing Amorim to rethink his strategies and potentially scramble for replacements during a crucial part of the season. But the bad news doesn't stop there...
United's already stretched squad is also at risk of losing two more first-team regulars due to suspension. Disciplinary issues are rearing their head, threatening to further destabilize the team's performance. As if that wasn't enough, the club is also actively searching for a potential replacement for Casemiro, should the Brazilian midfielder decide to move on next summer. It's a complex situation with many moving parts, and MEN Sport is here to break it all down, ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
Casemiro and Dorgu Walking a Tightrope
The looming AFCON absences aren't the only immediate worry for Amorim. Both Casemiro and young talent Patrick Dorgu are precariously close to suspension. One more yellow card for either player will trigger an automatic one-match ban. This is a huge concern given United's current position – languishing in 10th place in the Premier League – and their desperate need to string together some wins during the challenging winter schedule. Every player counts, and losing two key figures, even for a single game, could have serious repercussions.
Casemiro, of course, has already experienced a suspension this season, following a red card in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea back in September. He now faces the daunting prospect of having to avoid a booking in the next seven Premier League matches to avoid another stint on the sidelines. This puts immense pressure on the Brazilian, forcing him to temper his aggressive style of play, which is a core part of his game.
This situation presents Amorim with a tactical dilemma ahead of the Crystal Palace match. Palace are in great form, unbeaten in three and sitting pretty in fifth place. United, on the other hand, haven't tasted victory in over a month and have slipped into mid-table mediocrity. Amorim is likely mulling over different strategies. Should he prefer Casemiro and Dorgu to pick up their bookings sooner rather than later, to clear their suspensions before AFCON kicks off? Or should he urge them to play cautiously, hoping they can avoid the five-card threshold altogether, maintaining their availability for as long as possible? It's a difficult decision, with no easy answer. What do you think he should do? Let us know in the comments!
Gallagher: The Prime Candidate to Replace Casemiro?
Now, let's shift gears to the transfer front. One of the biggest stories circulating around Old Trafford concerns Casemiro's future. His contract expires next summer, and while United have the option to extend it by another year, rumors are swirling that Conor Gallagher is being lined up as his potential replacement. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about replacing Casemiro's skill set, but also about injecting fresh energy and a different dynamic into the midfield.
Reports from AS suggest that Amorim's team is leading the chase for the Atletico Madrid midfielder. Gallagher, 25, enjoyed a stellar debut season under Diego Simeone, but his playing time has dwindled in recent months. He's only started five matches across all competitions this season, a far cry from his previous status as virtually irreplaceable. Atletico Madrid paid £34 million for him nearly a year and a half ago, but they are expected to demand closer to £50 million if they were to sell him in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial... some fans argue that United should be looking at younger, more long-term options, rather than spending big on a player who has already struggled to maintain a consistent starting position at another club.
Gallagher himself has expressed his dissatisfaction with his limited role in Madrid, fueling speculation about a potential move. He also offers another significant advantage: he contributes to United's homegrown player quota, a crucial factor in complying with Premier League regulations. Furthermore, he could potentially unlock more from his former Chelsea teammate, Mason Mount, recreating their successful partnership from their time at Stamford Bridge.
There are growing concerns within United about the over-reliance on midfield stalwarts like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. A Premier League return for Gallagher could provide the squad with a dynamic and versatile option, injecting new life into the engine room. What do you think? Is Gallagher the right man to revitalize United's midfield, or should they be looking elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
