United View: More problems for Ten Hag as Casemiro sees red

Since the humiliating defeat at Anfield, Manchester United responded well, beating Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of their Europa League tie, before a frustrating goalless draw at Old Trafford to bottom-of-the-league Southampton

An early red card for Casemiro saw United play for an hour with ten men as they settled for a point.

On a bitterly cold Thursday night at Old Trafford, a strong second-half performance from United gave United a healthy lead going into next week’s second leg. Rashford netted early before Ayoze Perez equalised just before the break. Then as they have done before, United came out stronger after halftime.

Antony and Bruno Fernandes scored before Wout Weghorst got his first goal at Old Trafford, celebrating with as much intensity as he gives on matchday. It was obvious just how important that elusive goal was to him.

However, he wasn’t able to replicate that on Sunday, being brought off before the break following the red card. Scott McTominay was brought on and gave a good performance, despite almost putting one into his own net early into the second half.

Regarding Casemiro’s red card, it looked to be a harsh one in real-time, considering he won the ball first but once VAR slowed it down and freeze-framed his studs on Alcaraz’s shin, he was a doomed man.

Ten Hag questioned the inconsistency of the decisions made by the officials and perhaps he has a point. But as it stands, he’s set to lose Casemiro for the next four domestic matches, which if the club doesn’t appeal will be eight matches missed this season through suspension for the Brazilian.

His absence created an imbalance for United who failed to gain any control, with the game becoming an end-to-end affair that looked certain of a goal. However, neither side could find the net and the game ended as a draw. This is obviously not the best result for United but considering they spent the majority of the game down to ten men, maybe they’ll look at it as a point gained rather than two lost.

This imbalance leaves another problem for Ten Hag and with two tough games just before the international break, the manager will need to find a solution to the Casemiro-sized hole in midfield. The obvious answer is replacing the Brazilian with Scott McTominay, who had a decent run of form earlier in the season.

This could also see the return of the McTominay and Fred partnership often dubbed as ‘McFred’ by fans. That’s if Marcel Sabitzer is unavailable who is currently side-lined with an unknown ailment. And with Christian Eriksen still unavailable, it highlights the need for some new additions in the summer to improve the depth of the midfield.

But for now, United need to turn its attention back to the Europa League, travelling to Seville for the second leg against Betis. With a three-goal advantage, United should still be wary of giving the hosts any hope of a momentous comeback.

Then the reds return to Old Trafford against Fulham in the Quarter Final of the FA Cup. A win will see United return to Wembley for a second time this season, but Marco Silva’s team has been excellent thus far and will likely be tough opposition.

The solidarity of the squad will no doubt be tested during another challenging period for the club, although Ten Hag has found the answers before, and fans will trust him to find them again.