Suspension Threats and AFCON Impact Looming
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces potential shortages with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad, and Noussair Mazraoui set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, disrupting team availability soon. Adding to the concerns, Casemiro and Patrick Dorgu are each one yellow card from a one-match ban, having accumulated four bookings apiece in the Premier League. United, currently 10th, cannot afford further absences amid a demanding winter slate, including Sunday’s away clash with Crystal Palace. Casemiro already served a suspension earlier this season after a red card against Chelsea, and both players must navigate carefully in the next seven league games to avoid the five-card threshold. Amorim might weigh the timing of any bookings, preferring them early to clear suspensions before AFCON, though ideally avoiding them altogether as the team seeks to end a winless streak exceeding a month.
Gallagher Emerges as Prime Casemiro Successor
With Casemiro’s contract expiring next summer—though extendable by a year—speculation mounts over his future, and reports indicate Conor Gallagher as the top target to fill the void. Amorim’s side reportedly leads the pursuit of the Atletico Madrid midfielder, per AS. The 25-year-old, formerly of Chelsea and Crystal Palace, was pivotal under Diego Simeone last season but has started just five games this term. Acquired for £34 million about 18 months ago, Atletico might demand around £50 million for his sale in 2026. Gallagher, expressing dissatisfaction with his reduced role, could bolster United’s homegrown quota and synergize with ex-Chelsea teammate Mason Mount. Concerns persist over reliance on midfield anchors like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, and Gallagher’s dynamic style could inject fresh energy into the engine room.
