Manchester United have encountered another significant setback ahead of their crucial Premier League match against Aston Villa this weekend. The latest blow emerged during their recent 4-4 thriller against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Despite goals from Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Matheus Cunha, United were unable to secure a win as Bournemouth fought back with goals from Antoine Semenyo, Evanilson, Marcus Tavernier, and Eli Junior Kroupi. This resulted in a dramatic draw that leaves United trailing Villa by seven points, with the visitors currently sitting third in the Premier League table after their recent victory over West Ham.
Adding to United’s woes, Casemiro will now miss the trip to Villa Park due to suspension. The Brazilian midfielder picked up his seventh yellow card of the season after a foul on Marcus Tavernier, which led to one of Bournemouth’s goals. This accumulation of cautions triggers a one-match ban, sidelining him for Sunday’s key fixture.
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Further compounding the absentee list, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are all unavailable for selection as they participate in the Africa Cup of Nations for their respective nations, keeping them away from the squad over the coming weeks.
Moreover, doubts hover over the fitness of defenders Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, both of whom missed the Bournemouth game due to injury, leaving United’s defensive options stretched ahead of the Villa clash.
The Red Devils will need to navigate these absences carefully as they seek to close the gap on their top-four rivals and secure vital points away at Villa Park.