Erik ten Hag leapt to the defence of Casemiro amid claims the Manchester United midfielder should have been sent off in the 2-1 win at Luton.
Casemiro picked up an eighth booking in his last 10 matches for a foul on Luton captain, Carlton Morris, in the scrappy win at Kenilworth Road and evaded a second yellow for a late challenge on Ross Barkley, with the Hatters’ appealing to referee David Coote to send the Brazilian off.
However, Dutch manager Ten Hag claimed after the game that Casemiro is often unfairly penalised by officials.
“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 got sent off twice for United last season, against Crystal Palace and Southampton. Also, he was banned for a total of eight matches, tarnishing an otherwise excellent debut campaign at Old Trafford.
His form has nosedived this season although he has looked closer to his old self since returning from injury.
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However, Erik ten Hag praised the impact he has had since making his comeback in January after more than two months out with a hamstring problem.
“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.”
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