Erik ten Hag defends Casemiro decision as Man Utd star misses Arsenal game

Casemiro and Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag claimed he was right to start Casemiro in Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday even though the midfielder picked up a booking that rules him out of Sunday's showdown with Arsenal.

Casemiro will serve a one-match ban following his fifth yellow card this term, for chopping down Palace's Wilfried Zaha in the 80th minute. United looked poised to move into second spot in the Premier League after Bruno Fernandes fired in the opener late in the first half, but Michael Olise's stoppage-time free-kick denied the visitors.

Also read: Man United halted by Palace ahead of Arsenal showdown

Casemiro's booking is a major blow to third placed United as they prepare to face Premier League leaders Arsenal, who sit eight points clear of Ten Hag's men. But the United manager said there was no way he could leave out Casemiro against Palace regardless of any possible suspension.

"This game was important. Every game is important. Casemiro is obviously a really important player for us," Ten Hag said after United's nine-match winning run came to an end.

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