Erik ten Hag defended Casemiro after insinuations that the Manchester United player should have been given a red card in the 2-1 win against Luton.
Casemiro got his eighth booking in the last 10 games for a foul on Luton’s captain, Carlton Morris, during the messy win at Kenilworth Road. He also avoided getting a second yellow card for a late challenge on Ross Barkley, with Luton asking the referee to send him off. However, Dutch manager Ten Hag said after the game that Casemiro is frequently punished unfairly by referees.
“Even when he is not touching opponents, he gets booked. Often the first moment of the game,” Ten Hag told a press conference. “I think it’s crazy and it was so unfair that first booking. That second could have been so that’s why I took him off. He touches an opponent and he gets booked.”
Casemiro was red-carded twice for United last season, against Crystal Palace and Southampton, resulting in an eight-match ban. This tarnished an otherwise impressive first season at Old Trafford. Although his performance has declined this season, he has shown signs of improvement since returning from injury. Ten Hag commended the positive influence he has had since his comeback in January after being sidelined for over two months with a hamstring issue.
“You can see now he is back in the team he gives so much calmness and organisation,” Ten Hag added when quizzed on Casemiro’s recent performances. “I am very happy that since he is back the team has lifted the levels.”
United is currently on their best winning streak of the season, having won their last four Premier League matches. This has helped them close the gap on top-four rivals Tottenham and Aston Villa. They will aim to continue their winning streak when they face Fulham next Saturday.