The Brazilian midfielder, who has been the subject of much criticism in recent weeks, was initially named on United’s bench for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
But Manchester United confirmed after their team was announced that Casemiro would in fact play no part in the match and had been replaced on the bench by young defender Willy Kambwala.
Erik ten Hag, who could be sacked even if he wins the FA Cup, said Casemiro was not 100%, while United said he had been ruled out due to a ‘late injury issue’ and had not been fully fit in the days leading up to the final.
But Lineker questioned if Casemiro had actually ruled himself out after being unhappy at only being named on Manchester United’s bench.
‘There is one small change… Casemiro, who was on the bench, is now apparently injured and out,’ Lineker said on BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup final. ‘Maybe he wasn’t happy with being left out…’
Ten Hag made two changes from Manchester United’s final Premier League game, bringing in Raphael Varane and Marcus Rashford.
Despite winning their last two league games, United recorded their lowest-ever Premier League finish in Ten Hag’s second season at Old Trafford.
Speaking about Manchester United’s FA Cup final hopes and his team news before the Wembley final, Ten Hag said: ‘Two years after each other we’re in the final but this year we want to win.
‘The mood is very good, strong spirit, strong belief, a tough opponent and we have to give everything we have, sacrifice, suffer but be brave and let them suffer as well.
‘We have to be on the front foot and be aggressive. It’s about mentality. If we have a strong belief and are brave then you have the opportunity. We had the opportunity last year but didn’t take it.
‘Casemiro is not 100% and in that space around Phil Foden we need a strong defence.’
On rumours suggesting this could be his last game in charge of Manchester United, the Dutchman added: ‘I don’t talk about my future. It’s not about me, it’s about the team and winning the cup.’
United are aiming to end a difficult season on a high at Wembley and lift the FA Cup trophy for the 13th time.
But Manchester City are attempting to become the first team in history to clinch back-to-back domestic doubles in England following a fourth straight Premier League title.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes ‘hopes’ his team can cause an upset, saying before the final: ‘I hope so. We’re going to do everything to make it different.
‘We know the final is determined by many factors and the one that wants it the most gets it. We need to put the quality into the game to get the desire and passion and this is a big challenge at Wembley.
‘I want the fans to understand how much the players care about this and how much we’re disappointed with the season and how we want to finish in a positive way and to get them something back.’
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