Erik ten Hag's reaction told the story as Manchester United midfielder Casemiro picked up a suspension which will keep him out of the game against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The former Real Madrid midfielder was walking a disciplinary tightrope going into Wednesday's game at Crystal Palace, knowing a yellow card at Selhurst Park would be his fifth of the season and earn him a one match ban. He stayed out of trouble for 80 minutes, only to then go into the book after chopping down ex-United winger Wilfried Zaha.
Ten Hag will have been well aware of the risk he took by picking the Brazil international, but felt he needed the summer signing involved in order to get a result against Patrick Vieira's side. Fred had been preparing to come on when the incident took place, with commentators suggesting the manager might have been on the verge of taking Casemiro off before he picked up the decisive booking.
Indeed, Ten Hag was seen shaking his head in the aftermath of Casemiro collecting his yellow card. Signed from Real Madrid after winning the Champions League final in 2022, Casemiro made his home debut for United in their victory over Arsenal in September. That game remains the only one the Gunners have lost as they have opened up a significant lead at the top of the table.
United had been on the verge of going into the reverse fixture off the back of six straight league wins, as Bruno Fernandes put them in front on the stroke of half-time. Michael Olise equalised in stoppage-time, though, and Casemiro himself missed a golden chance to restore his team's lead at the death.
With the £60m man unavailable, Ten Hag may be forced to hand Fred a start at Arsenal. The former Shakhtar man also went into the game with four yellow cards, but avoided picking up a fifth.
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In the lead-up to Sunday's game, former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand suggested Casemiro had the upper hand in the anticipated battle with Arsenal enforcer Thomas Partey. However, thanks to the suspension, his theory won't be put to the test this season.
"In terms of whose more important to their team, you can argue for both sides," Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast. "But when you throw the stats in, Casemiro wipes the floor with him.
"I don’t think Partey is good enough defensively to do what Casemiro is doing. I don’t think he has the impact to do defensively what Casemiro is doing for Man United."
United's draw with Palace leaves them eight points adrift of Arsenal going into the weekend clash, having played a game more than their rivals. It also meant they remain behind neighbours Manchester City, who can move three points clear of United by beating Tottenham on Thursday.
