Erik ten Hag admits Casemiro is a ‘really important player’ but sends reminder to Manchester United players and fans ahead of Arsenal clash amid midfielder’s suspension

Erik ten Hag reminded Manchester United players and fans that they’ve beaten Arsenal without starting Casemiro after the Brazilian was ruled out of Sunday’s clash with suspension.

Man United drew with Crystal Palace, and Casemiro was one caution away from receiving his fifth caution of the year and being suspended from the team’s subsequent game at the Emirates Stadium.

When Casemiro received the critical yellow card in the 80th minute for scything Wilfried Zaha to the ground, Ten Hag’s decision to start the Brazilian backfired.

The Red Devils appeared to have won their ninth straight game in a succession across all competitions thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ 43rd-minute goal, which would have moved them up to second in the Premier League.

But at Selhurst Park, a magnificent free kick from Michael Olise made sure that both teams shared the victory.

Casemiro had a golden opportunity to win it for Man United after Olise’s equalizer, but he missed connecting with a corner on the right from inside the six-yard box.

Casemiro had enjoyed a very productive match and was earlier involved in a bizarre incident as a fan ran onto the pitch to take a selfie with him.

But he’ll play no part against the Premier League leaders and teammate David de Gea, who made fine saves to deny Odsonne Edouard and Marc Guehi at Selhurst Park, admitted Man United will miss Casemiro.

De Gea told Sky Sports that losing Casemiro for Sunday was “a big setback.”

“I don’t understand why Arsenal don’t play when we both have games the same week. One of our top players is currently absent. I don’t comprehend. We are now missing him for a crucial game, which is a major loss for us.

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Ten Hag, however, argued that Man United have the ability to defeat Mikel Arteta’s team by reminding supporters that Casemiro didn’t start the two teams’ earlier-season match at Old Trafford, which Man United won 3-1.

Ten Hag told talkSPORT, “He’s wonderful for us, he’s a tremendously vital player.