Man Utd star facing axe from starting XI for FA Cup final

Casemiro is in danger of being dropped from Manchester United's starting XI for Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

The Brazilian midfielder has suffered a dramatic loss of form in recent weeks, coinciding with manager Erik ten Hag's forced decision to play him at centre-back due to mass injuries in that position.

However, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are expected to feature in central defence in the absence of Harry Maguire, while Victor Lindelof is also back in training.

According to The Athletic, the Red Devils have prepared for the FA Cup final with Casemiro omitted from Ten Hag's first choice team during training sessions this week, meaning the former Real Madrid star may have to make do with a place on the substitutes bench.

Their report adds United's players 'have been left with the impression' the 32-year-old will be left out of the starting XI.

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It would be a huge call from Ten Hag. Even after some of his more disastrous recent performances, Casemiro still boasts incredible experience in high-pressure finals, having won the Champions League five times with Los Blancos. He also scored in United's victory over Newcastle United in last season's Carabao Cup final.

Breakout youngster Kobbie Mainoo is guaranteed to start after an impressive first campaign in senior football, while Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount are options if Ten Hag does decide to ditch Casemiro.

Bruno Fernandes could start in a high central role again, though Rasmus Hojlund could be recalled to the lineup after scoring two goals as a substitute in United's last two Premier League games of the season.

It is expected to be Ten Hag's final match in charge of United, with the club thought to be ready to sack the Dutchman after Saturday's encounter.