The Manchester United midfielder will give Erik ten Hag some headaches ahead of their Premier League clash with Leeds.
The Red Devils welcome the now managerless club to Old Trafford on Wednesday and can match rivals Man City in the table.
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Ten Hag will have to make changes to his starting XI
talkSPORT is the only place to follow the game with our exclusive commentary as it will not be shown on UK TV channels.
The game was due to be played last year, but the death of Queen Elizabeth II forced it to be postponed.
This is the first of a double game between Man United and Leeds, with the teams playing the reverse fixture at Elland Road on Sunday.
Ten Hag enters this game without some of his key midfielders.
Christian Eriksen is a long-time absentee and faces a race to return for the end of the season.
Scott McTominay has also been confirmed as an absentee for the game at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Man United can close the gap to city rivals
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Casemiro will miss three games for Man United
Star midfielder Casemiro is also starting the first of a three-match ban for putting his hands around the throat of Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes.
The Dutch manager is no doubt thinking of the upcoming Europa League against Barcelona as the games roll on.
Ten Hag has also confirmed that Antony and Anthony Martial will not be available to face Leeds with his options further reduced.
Here are the options available to the United manager…
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Sabitzer made his United debut against Palace on Saturday
Sabitzer, Fred and Fernandes
The obvious option would be for Ten Hag to bring in Marcel Sabitzer in direct exchange for Casemiro.
He would then sit alongside Fred, with Bruno Fernandes in the attacking midfield role.
The Bayern Munich loanee midfielder came on as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, replacing Antony, after Casemiro’s red.
Jadon Sancho could also enter the squad with the Brazilian winger unavailable.
How Man United could line up with Sabitzer in midfield
Martinez
Ten Hag previously played Lisandro Martinez in midfield, early in his spell at Ajax.
It could be a generic option for the Dutchman, or if he has other injuries or suspensions to worry about.
Speaking to Argentinian newspaper Ole in 2021, Martinez said: “The day I play central midfield, I’ll do it again. If it helps the team, I’ll do it. Same as side (full-back) .
“I consider myself a versatile player who is always predisposed to give the best beyond the post.”
Martinez could be an option for Ten Hag in midfield
Young people
If Ten Hag really wants to surprise Leeds then he can start a youngster to start the game.
Kobbie Mainoo regularly played on the bench for United in the Premier League and featured in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
The 17-year-old is a promising young talent and having him on the bench should be an indication of his potential.
Ten Hag still has a number of midfield options he can turn to