Erik ten Hag is “unhappy” with the “risk” that Man Utd star Casemiro took that saw him get sent off in their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils drew 1-1 against Palace when the sides met at Selhurst Park last month. United were on course for victory before Michael Olise scored a stunning free-kick late on.
Ten Hag’s side were in the ascendency once again this weekend as they found themselves two goals ahead against the Eagles. Their goals came via a penalty from Bruno Fernandes and a smart finish from Marcus Rashford.
The game was turned on its head with 20 minutes to go as Casemiro was sent off. The Brazil international was given his marching orders after he grabbed Will Hughes around the throat.
Palace pulled a goal back soon after through Jeffrey Schlupp, but Man Utd managed to see out the game to earn a valuable three points.
Later in the day, Newcastle were held by West Ham so Man Utd are now third in the table. There is a six-point gap between Ten Hag’s side and fifth-placed Tottenham.
Speaking after his side’s 2-1 win, Ten Hag praised his players for “showing fight” to earn the victory.
“When you have 10 after a player is sent off and it is quickly 2-1, you have to hold on for the win. The first 70 minutes was all ours, we dominated the game,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“A big compliment for the team, we played with a lot of energy and really well in possession and defensive transition. In the last 20 minutes, we showed we can fight and have team spirit.”
On Casemiro’s red card: “Such things must not happen on the pitch. It starts with a bad foul. He could have injured the player. It is a big risk.
“It is emotions getting up and both sides, this happens a lot with players pushing each other and also protecting each other. Casemiro was protecting the player to go into attack.
“Obviously he is sent off and we are totally unhappy with that situation. He takes a risk, we all see that. He can’t get away with that.
“But for me, it is the inconsistency. At Palace two weeks ago there was an elbow and VAR is not interfering. And in this situation, he could have sent off more players.
“Be consistent and everyone who crosses the line is sent off, not just one player. It is hard when a team-mate can get injured. Like last week, we lose Christian Eriksen to a really bad foul. The team stand for each other and you need that to get results and be successful.”
On Marcel Sabitzer: “He came in, he played really well. He understands the game and it is good to see.”
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