Manchester United earned a point in an entertaining game with Liverpool at the weekend, and were left feeling upset not to get all three.
A late lunge from Aaron Wan-Bissaka saw Liverpool awarded a late spot-kick at Old Trafford. It was a decision which looked a clear penalty on first glance, and becomes even more suspect with each and every rewatch on a slow-motion replay.
Sky Sports referee expert Dermot Gallagher backed the decision, insisting Harvey Elliott did not dive.
There was one decision where Manchester United may have got lucky, at least, according to MUTV pundit Ben Thornley.
Casemiro could have been sent off
Casemiro received a yellow card for a tackle made in the sixth minute of injury time on Luis Diaz. It was a clumsy challenge which gave Liverpool a late free-kick in a threatening area, which fortunately came to nothing, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw.
Speaking to MUTV’s The Debate, former academy player Ben Thornley expressed his view that the Brazilian was lucky not to receive a red card.
Discussing Willy Kawbwala‘s firm but fair challenges, Thornley explained: “There was another one in front of the dugout, which I have to say was not as bad as Casemiro’s in the last minute.
“I thought he was lucky, I have to say Casemiro, to stay on the field after that.”
A red card would have seen Casemiro miss the FA Cup semi-final. United are likely going to need his experience at Wembley.
Casemiro red card record for Manchester United
Casemiro has three red cards during his career at Manchester United. These came against Crystal Palace and Southampton last season, and versus Galatasaray this season.
He is a long way down the list when it comes to the most red carded Manchester United player of all time.
This is a category led by Manchester United legend Roy Keane, who racked up 11 red cards over the course of his career.
Casemiro under fire
While Casemiro’s contribution for Manchester United against Liverpool was appreciated by his former Real Madrid teammate Marcelo, Red Devils supporters were less convinced.
United fans expressed after the game that it should be time up for the Brazilian at the end of this season, with the midfielder also scoring poorly in our player ratings.
He was also called out after the loss to Chelsea last week, and there’s no doubting he has taken a backwards step this season, hit by injuries along with a loss of form.
This was United’s third game against Liverpool this season but the first he has actually played.
Casemiro meanwhile spoke after the game about his frustration at United’s league position.