Raphael Varane explains how Manchester United will replace the suspended Casemiro

Raphael Varane believes Manchester United need to find a new balance for the side to make up for the loss of the suspended Casemiro.

The Brazilian will sit out United’s next four domestic games, including Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham and their Premier League clash with Newcastle, rivals for a top-four result after picking up his second red card in the 0-0 draw of the season has received draw against Southampton.

Varane was unhappy with referee Anthony Taylor’s decision to send off Casemiro, who he originally booked before changing his mind after seeing his tackle against Carlos Alcaraz on monitor, but believes United have the players to turn to deal with it.

Scott McTominay came on after Casemiro was substituted in Sunday’s 0-0 draw, while Marcel Sabitzer and Fred manager Erik ten Hag offer other options.

But Casemiro has been crucial this season and Varane said: “He is a player who is very important for us. He brings balance to the team and the squad. But we have a great squad and we have to find a different balance without him, but we have good players on the pitch in all positions and we are ready for the next games.”

Casemiro seemed upset at being sent off and Varane added: “I think he was very disappointed because nobody wants to leave the pitch before the end. We can’t be happy with his decision, but that’s part of football.”

Varane was happy with the attitude United showed with 10 men, adding: “I’m happy with the mentality, the fighting spirit. The team fought as a group and that’s the positive point. We knew we had to run a little bit more to be a little bit more defensive, but we reacted as a team, as a group and with a good mentality.

“We fight for each other. The crowd as well. We feel the support. I think we can be proud of the fighting spirit. Of course we are disappointed with the result [we showed] great teamwork.”