MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a hammer blow for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal after Casemiro was booked against Crystal Palace.
The midfielder now has five yellow cards in the Premier League and will be suspended for the massive game at the Emirates.
CASEMIRO BOOKED!
The Man Utd midfielder is now suspended for the game against Arsenal
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 18, 2023
Casemiro took out Zaha with this ill-advised challenge
The referee swiftly produced a yellow for the ex-Real Madrid midfielder
He received a booking after a reckless challenge on Wilfried Zaha.
United manager Erik ten Hag would have been sweating on the midfielder having a quiet game with Casemiro going into this match having been booked four times previously.
But he failed to keep his nose clean and made the tackle on the Palace winger in the final 15 minutes of the game.
Bruno Fernandes had given United the lead and the Red Devils appeared to be edging towards victory.
But that was before a stunning late free-kick by Michael Olise made it 1-1, bringing United’s incredible winning run to an end.
Casemiro’s yellow could prove as damaging as the equaliser with the former Real Madrid midfielder a key part of this Erik ten Hag’s team.
Pundits were split on the big-money deal in August but he has proven a huge success.
The 30-year-old has been a regular in the United team and formed a formidable partnership with Christian Eriksen.
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The pair have been at the heart of a nine-game winning run that had propelled the club from top four challengers to title contenders.
The draw means Man United go to the Emirates eight points behind the Premier League leaders.
If they can do the double over Arsenal, the gap will be down to five.
More to follow…
