Manchester United have been dealt a major blow ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal. But Casemiro has been suspended for the trip to the Emirates Stadium after getting a yellow card.
Casemiro got fifth yellow card of the season for fouling Wilfried Zaha on Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
United were leading 1-0 at the time and on course for their tenth consecutive victory in all competitions. Casemiro, however, scythed down Zaha with a full-blooded high tackle in an effort to thwart a Palace breakaway, which may have saved him from a harsh penalty.
The Brazilian immediately expressed his displeasure with teammate Bruno Fernandes, giving the United captain a knowing look after he ducked out of a challenge that contributed to the ball breaking to an advancing Zaha.
Casemiro, on the other hand, put in an outstanding performance in south London, breaking up play in the center of the pitch and providing a platform for his teammates to shine.
His presence in recent months has highlighted the critical importance of having a world-class defensive midfielder, but his yellow card, and possibly the realization that he will miss the trip to Arsenal, appeared to be enough to stun United, allowing Palace to finish stronger and snatch a point.
Casemiro Transfer History
A few months after winning his sixth Champions League championship, Casemiro left Real Madrid in the summer. But Erik ten Hag gave him some time to adjust to his new team’s form before giving him a start.
After geeting promotion to the starting eleven, United went on to become the best side in the nation. His last Premier League game as a substitute was a 6-3 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City in October.
United is the only Premier League team to have defeated Arsenal this season. Finding a way to replicate that performance against the Gunners on their own pitch will now be much more difficult.
