Jamie Redknapp says things ‘couldn’t have gone any worse’ for Man United

Jamie Redknapp insists that losing Casemiro to suspension for his crucial Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal made his 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace that much worse.

The Brazilian midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season when he brought down Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha in the 80th minute at Selhurst Park.

The £70m summer signing, who has been crucial to United’s success so far this campaign, will now be forced to miss their trip to north London on Sunday.

Jamie Redknapp feels losing Casemiro to suspension made Man United’s draw much worse

The Brazilian midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season in the 1-1 draw with Palace

Expert and former midfielder Redknapp feels the loss of Casemiro for Sunday’s clash is a huge blow, even more so than missing out on a chance to move up to second in the league table on Wednesday night.

Instead, they remain eight points behind current leaders Arsenal and third in the league table.

“From a Man Utd point of view, it couldn’t have gone worse,” Redknapp said after the game on Sky Sports.

‘We talked before the game about Casemiro. Don’t get reserved. Don’t get into any confrontation. It was very important because they need it on Sunday.

The United star brought down Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha in the 80th minute of the match

“When he was booked in the 80th minute, it was as if Manchester United had completely run out of steam.

It affected them a lot. They knew the most important player was missing, in that defensive role.’

The former Real Madrid defensive midfielder has been frustrated with teammate Bruno Fernandes after being booked for his challenge on Zaha.

Redknapp added: “It was a crazy moment. You could see Casemiro was furious with Bruno Fernandes, who jumped from a (previous) challenge.

Casemiro was clearly furious with his teammate Bruno Fernandes after being shown a yellow card.

Pundit Jamie Redknapp feels Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have been dancing to the news

‘That’s why he ends up face to face with Zaha and they book him. It could have been a red card. It is an outrageous challenge. It’s reckless.

“I got to see Mikel Arteta when that happened dancing around his living room because he is so important to Man Utd. They don’t have anyone who can do what he does on the team.

United manager Erik ten Hag also spoke about Casemiro’s suspension and continues to support his team against the Gunners, having beaten them 3-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season without their star.

United boss Erik ten Hag backs his team without star player Casemiro against Arsenal

I think it’s instinctive. He lost the ball. It’s pretty clear it’s been a dangerous situation. He wanted to stop him and that was his reaction.

“The last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, this time we have to do the same.”

Redknapp reiterated that Arsenal have benefited greatly from Casemiro’s suspension, leaving United with some tough decisions to make before the clash, to compete with the Gunners’ midfield trio of Granit Xhaka, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey.

‘I said before the game if I was going to be reserved and miss that game. He is so important.

They’re going to have to bring in Fred or Scott McTominay. If you look at Arsenal right now with Odegaard, Xhaka and Partey, that midfield is working very well.

“I can only really see it benefiting Arsenal in such a big way.” They are so confident at the moment which makes them hot favourites, he is such an important player that he is not in the Premier League.

“Some teams work so well and that’s what it gives them. He feels danger and he’s going to be sorely missed for what he brings to the team. For Arsenal it’s exactly what they wanted to see today and it’s great news for them.”

Redknapp, a former Tottenham and Liverpool player, also denied that United were really in the title race after a slip-up at Selhurst Park, let alone in the hunt.

Pundit Jamie Redknapp also denied that United were actually in the league title race.

‘No, i do not do it. I really didn’t think so before the game as I still think they have a lot to do but the progression they’ve made has been amazing.

The job he’s done, the culture at the club has changed and they look like a real force again.

‘I’m sure they’re only going to get better and better. I think the title is too far away due to the bad start they got off to, but I think it’s important that they keep this momentum going.

They are full of confidence. There’s no reason why they can’t go to Arsenal and get a result, but it makes it much more difficult without Casemiro.”