Time running out to make money back on benched Casemiro

FOLLOWING Ruben Amorim's decision to start Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo on the bench for the Europa League win over Rangers, opportunity knocked for Manchester United's other midfielders.

- GEORGE SMITH

Given the strain of United's fixture schedule, the Portuguese chief was left with no choice but to make some tweaks. Christian Eriksen secured his first start since December 2nd and Toby Collyer was rewarded for his recent cameos by making his second start for the club.

The latter has been growing in stature in recent weeks, so much so United no longer have any plans to let him leave on loan this month.

Instead, he has leapfrogged Casemiro in the pecking order. The Brazilian is still waiting to be handed his first minute(s) in 2025 after playing the role of an unused substitute for the fifth game running.

The midfielder who last played in the defeat to Newcastle, is on his longest run without making an appearance when available since joining in August 2022. He has racked up just 350 minutes of football under Amorim, featuring in just six of his 16 games in charge.