Casemiro confusion as Brazilian midfielder is named on Man United bench for FA Cup final before withdrawing with injury… as Willy Kambwala takes his spot

Casemiro has withdrawn from Manchester United‘s FA Cup final squad after feeling muscle tightness during the warm-ups at Wembley.

The Brazilian was named among the substitutes by Erik ten Hag on the teamsheet but United’s club website had him absent, causing some confusion.

The club later confirmed Casemiro had suffered an injury and wasn’t able to figure in the match. Reports from ESPN Brazil claimed Casemiro isn’t actually injured. 

Centre-back Willy Kambwala, 19, has taken Casemiro’s spot on the bench.

With Casemiro potentially leaving Old Trafford this summer it represents a disappointing finish to the £60million midfielder’s United career.

The Brazilian midfielder was named among the United substitutes before his injury issue

Casemiro’s issue caused a small headache for United boss Erik ten Hag ahead of the final

Young defender Willy Kambwala, 19, has taken Casemiro’s place on the United bench

The 32-year-old has struggled this season following an excellent first campaign following his move to United from Real Madrid.

Despite featuring in 32 matches – scoring five goals and contributing three assists – Casemiro has faced criticism for his sluggish displays.

He slotted in at centre-half in a number of games towards the end of the season amid a defensive injury crisis for Erik ten Hag.

The United boss partnered Sofyan Amrabat, Scott McTominay and Kobbie Mainoo at the base of his midfield in anticipation of a tough test against City.

The return of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez from recent injuries meant United could field a stronger-looking central defensive pairing.

Man United XI: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Wan-Bissaka, Amrabat, Mainoo, McTominay, Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford

Man City XI: Ortega Moreno, Walker, Stones, Ake, Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Haaland