Casemiro missed Manchester United’s trip to Sunderland on 09.05.2026, so why is casemiro not playing today comes down to a new injury issue that Michael Carrick said is nothing major. Manchester United were also without Benjamin Sesko and Manuel Ugarte for the Premier League match, leaving four first-team players out of the squad.
Casemiro and Ugarte Absences
Carrick said Casemiro “will be fine for next week [vs Nottingham Forest at home], it is nothing major.” That gives United a quick answer on the midfielder’s status, even with the Sunderland game already underway without him.
Ugarte missed out too after Carrick said, “Manu (Ugarte) had a problem with his back in midweek, so that’s the injuries ironed out.” Sesko also sat out, with Joshua Zirkzee starting in his place after the forward was hooked early against Liverpool last week following a knock into the advertising hoardings.
Mount Returns to Midfield
The absences forced a reshuffle in midfield and brought Mason Mount back into the side. United had already secured Champions League qualification before the Sunderland match, so the team sheet was about handling the injury load and keeping rhythm in the run-in.
That context also explains why Carrick’s tone stayed firm before kick-off. “We’ve got a really strong team today and I look forward to seeing the boys play and perform and finish the season strong,” he said, with Matthijs de Ligt still absent and having last played for United in November 2025.
Nottingham Forest Next
The practical takeaway for United is straightforward: Casemiro’s issue is not expected to linger into next week, and Carrick has already pointed to the home match against Nottingham Forest as the target. For supporters watching the midfield shape, the immediate answer is that the Sunderland trip came too soon, but the longer absence does not appear to be on the table.
