Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has urged his teammates to adjust without influential midfielder Casemiro who was sent off in their goalless Premier League draw with Southampton on Sunday.
The Brazilian was given his marching orders in the 34th minute for a reckless challenge on Saints midfielder Carlos Alcaraz and United had to hang on until the end of the game.
“He’s a player who’s very important for us,” Varane said. “He brings balance to the team.
“He was very disappointed at the decision. Nobody wants to go out of the pitch but it is part of football.
“We have a great squad and we have to find another balance without him. We have good players in every position on the pitch and we’re ready for the next games.”
It is the second red card Casemiro has received this season and will now serve a domestic four-game suspension.
The 31-year-old’s presence in the middle of the park has been crucial to United’s revived form this term but Varane wants the men in red to devise another plan that will keep them in top form while Casemiro is suspended.
2 – Casemiro is the first player to receive two red cards in a single Premier League season for Manchester United since Nemanja Vidic in 2013-14. Orders. pic.twitter.com/bpMjVbyen7
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 12, 2023
Casemiro will miss the FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Sunday followed by Premier League matches against Newcastle United, Brentford and Everton, before making his return against Nottingham Forest on April 15.
The former Real Madrid man is, however, expected to play against Real Betis in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 where Erik ten Hag’s men hold a 4-1 lead from the first leg.
