Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reminded Arsenal that his side managed to beat them without Casemiro after the talismanic midfielder was suspended for Sunday’s critical trip to the Emirates
Casemiro was booked ten minutes from time in United’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace for a foul on Wilfred Zaha, his fifth of the campaign, leading to a one-match ban.
Sunday, January 22, 4:00 p.m. Start at 4:30 p.m
After Michael Olisse’s sensational free-kick equalized for Palace in stoppage time, United head to the Emirates third, eight points behind Arsenal.
United remain the only team to have beaten Arsenal in the Premier League this season and Ten Hag told his players it was up to them to make up for Casemiro’s absence.
“Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro,” Ten Hag said.
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Jamie Redknapp claims Casemiro’s booking and subsequent suspension ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Arsenal took the steam out of the side and led to Crystal Palace’s equaliser.
“Casemiro is obviously a really important player for us and he’s one of the reasons we’re in the position we’re in now.
“We have a team and we have to fill that gap and make a proper plan and the team has to fill it. As a team we have already shown how to beat Arsenal.”
In response to Casemiro’s challenge on Zaha, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “I think it’s instinctive, he went for the ball.
“He dropped the ball, but it’s quite clear, on our right, it could have been a dangerous situation. He wants to stop her. That was his reaction, it was quite clear.
Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, so we have to do the same this time.
Redknapp: The title is too far for United
Speaking in the Sky Sports studio afterwards, Jamie Redknapp said United’s failure to hold on for victory at Selhurst Park could spell the end of their hopes of challenging for the title despite their progress under Ten Hag.
“I really couldn’t believe Man Utd were in the cover photo before the game,” said the Sky Sports pundit.
“I still think they have so much work to do, but the progress they’ve made so far is amazing.
“The work he has done is superb. The culture at the club has completely turned around and they look like a real force again.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
“I’m sure in the upcoming transfer window they will get better and better.
“However, the title this season is a bit too far. They had too much work to do from the poor start they had.
“It’s just important that they keep that momentum going. They are full of confidence and Marcus Rashford looks like he can score in every game.
“There’s no reason why they can’t go to Arsenal and get a result, but now it’s much more difficult without Casemiro.
Redknapp added of Sunday’s game: “It’s going to be a great game.
“From a neutral point of view, you just want to see the best players on the market – Partey v Casemiro or Casemiro v Odegaard would be perfect.
“But it won’t be. United will need to find a different way of playing, perhaps with two defensive midfielders and make it difficult to play against yourself.
“That’s why good managers make the big money.
“It will be interesting to see what the Ten Hag’s tactics are without Casemiro.”
Analysis: Why does this feel like a loss for Manchester United?
Image: Casemiro will miss the game against Arsenal
Sky Sports’ Zini Boswell at Selhurst Park:
“With this Casemiro booking, it almost feels like a loss for Manchester United.
“It was a massive chance for United to pile the pressure on Arsenal ahead of the game at the Emirates on Sunday.
“But now the Gunners know that regardless of what happens this weekend, they will have at least a five-point lead at the top.
Also, United will be without their most key player, who was once again monumental for them at Selhurst Park.
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