The consequences of Casemiro ’s shocking red card against Southampton were not lost on the Brazilian midfielder as he was sent off once again.
The former Real Madrid star was handed his second dismissal in three Premier League games on Sunday after he crunched in on Saints midfielder Carlos Alcaraz in the 34th minute of the clash. Referee Anthony Taylor did not initially give the decision and instead only awarded a yellow.
That very quickly changed with the intervention of VAR. Taylor was sent to the monitor and did not hesitate in reducing the Red Devils to ten men upon second viewing.
The decision did not go down particularly well with Casemiro. The Brazilian was visibly distraught and had to be consoled by compatriot Antony.
Red Devils’ supporters also gave their support to the midfielder as he was applauded off of the pitch. Privately though, Casemiro will be aware of the impact that his dismissal could have on the rest of the side over the next few weeks.
With it being his second red card of the domestic season after his dismissal against Crystal Palace, the 31-year-old will now be missing for the next four domestic matches. He will miss games against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton, whilst he will also not be able to play in the Red Devils’ FA Cup clash with Fulham next weekend.
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That could certainly come back to bite the Red Devils, who will hope to secure a place in the top-four between now and the end of the season. Fortunately, however, United have only lost one game in which Casemiro was not available for in the league this season - that being the 3-2 reverse at the hands of Arsenal.
Meanwhile, his reaction also points to the shock of twice being sent off. He was never awarded a straight red during his hugely successful spell with Real Madrid but has now picked up two in just a matter of weeks.
Speaking after the Brazilian’s previous red card, United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed insisted he had faith in his fringe players to step up in Casemiro’s absence.
"I always have to play with the players who are available and we have a squad, we have many good players in our squad who are also not playing in the starting XI and I have to do it. After a game I can't say Casemiro is not there."
