Casemiro has collected as many red cards for Manchester United in 39 days as he did over a decade with Real Madrid.
The Brazilian was in tears after VAR ruled his challenge on Carlos Alcaraz constituted foul play – with the 31-year-old unused to early baths despite his combative style.
It was a running joke in Spain that he was sent off only twice through his career at the Bernabeu, against Valladolid in 2019 and Barcelona two years later, when he laughed at the Barca bench on his way off.
His luck has changed for the worst in England despite being a major influence on Erik ten Hag’s team. He was dismissed against Crystal Palace on March 4 when VAR decided he’d grabbed Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes by the throat when other angles suggested he’d been holding the opponent’s shirt.
On Sunday, referee Anthony Taylor initially gave him a yellow before consulting his screen.
MANCHESTER UNITED REMEMBER SUPPORTERS TRUST LEGEND
On a poignant day at Old Trafford, Manchester United players wore black armbands in recognition of fans’ representative Ian Stirling following his death at the age of 57 - while the Stretford End paid their own tribute with anti-Glazer banners and chants.
Stirling, an influential figure with the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, was a respected go-between in transmitting the fans’ feelings to the club on issues like safe standing.
He was described as a ‘fearless champion on fans’ issues’ over the tannoy and a floral wreath placed on his regular seat in row 17 in the north-east quadrant of the Sir Alex Ferguson stand.
The hardcore United support unfurled a banner that read: Full Sale Only amid fears the owners want to keep control. The first ‘We want Glazers Out” songs began after two minutes, 43 seconds.
ATTENDANCE AFTER THRASHING OFFERS PERSPECTIVE
The last time United had a home league game following a 7-0 defeat (against Wolves in 1931), just 6,056 tuMrned up at Old Trafford to see their Second Division game against Bradford Park Avenue which they also lost, 2-0.
It may give a bit of perspective to anyone who thought getting thrashed at Anfield a week ago represented the lowest point in the club’s history.
WARD-PROWSE'S WAIT GOES ON
James Ward-Prowse couldn’t have gone closer to equalling David Beckham’s Premier League freekick record of 18 at the ground Goldenballs used to grace so brilliantly.
The Saints specialist was just inches wide when his first attempt deflected off Marcus Rashford in the wall and was left with head in hands after another from 25 yards skimmed off the top of the bar.
He’ll be desperate to get there soon with his side in danger of dropping out of the top flight.
WALCOTT MISSES CHANCE OF REDEMPTION
Theo Walcott probably felt better missing against David de Gea than he did scoring against the Spaniard when they first faced each other in 2011.
Walcott’s goal for Arsenal on that occasion was barely celebrated as United famously won the game 8-2. Yesterday, the former England striker was twice denied by brilliant stops from the ‘keeper but at least his Saints team didn’t cave in.
ERIK TEN HAG'S REFEREE FURY
Erik ten Hag will be glad to see the back of referee Anthony Taylor. The usually well-behaved Dutchman was hopping around in fury as a series of penalty appeals weren’t given to his side, following on from Casemiro’s dismissal.
Taylor had taken charge of three other United games this season and twice ten Hag has tasted defeat – against Aston Villa and Arsenal.
