Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was sent off against Galatasaray on Tuesday night.
The Brazil international will miss United’s Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen later this month, after being dismissed by the referee for two yellow cards during Tuesday night’s 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray at Old Trafford.
Casemiro, who is United’s leading goalscorer this season with four goals, was sent for an early shower in the 77th minute for a last ditch tackle on Galatasaray substitute Dries Mertens inside the penalty area.
The moment of madness came when Andre Onana played a loose pass out from the back straight to Mertens, who then had his legs swiped by Casemiro.
Everyone in the ground knew Casemiro was in trouble having been booked over 10 minutes before half-time.
Mauro Icardi missed his penalty, but United’s defence made it easy for Galatasaray to ensure the Argentine got on the scoresheet for the winner minutes later as he dinked the ball over Onana.
The problem with Casemiro’s suspension is United can’t afford to drop more points in the Champions League. Maybe one of our left-backs will be back by then and Sofyan Amrabrat can be deployed into midfield.
Erik ten Hag’s side are currently positioned fourth in Group A, with zero points and a minus 2 goal difference. The Reds need to be beat Copenhagen home and away to have any chance of reaching the Champions League knockout stages.
There’s still a lot to play for but we need to start winning football matches.
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