In the eyes of many Manchester United fans, the 2022/23 Premier League campaign has in many ways turned into a better than expected first season under new manager Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devil’s are 16 points off Arsenal who occupy first place, with with a game in hand in their favour, they could potentially be five points clear of nearest chasers Tottenham Hotspur. With the disruptions this season has seen given the forced domestic break for the first ever winter World Cup out in Qatar, United have obviously not had it all their own way and there was the massive controversy caused by the varying Cristiano Ronaldo issues before he ‘mutually’ departed ahead of the turn of the New Year, and despite the apparent successes, their last match against Southampton was one of a number of low moments.
Many had United down as strong favourites to win the game and strengthen their gap over Spurs in the battle for third place given the season 20th placed Southampton have had so far, but once midfielder Casemiro was dismissed in the 34th minute, United struggled and ultimately had to settle for a point.
The 31 year old Brazilian international was initially booked for his challenge on Carlos Alcarez by referee Anthony Taylor, but having been advised to view the incident on the television monitor by the Video Assistant Referee, Taylor upgraded the offence to a straight red card. With the player previously having been sent off in the game against Crystal Palace last month, he will now serve a four game ban – missing out on the FA Cup quarter final against Fulham, and then league games against Newcastle United, Brentford and Everton. Some Manchester united tickets are likely still available if fans move quickly.
United have already confirmed they will not be appealing the decision as they believe there is little chance in getting it overturned, but it certainly has not stopped the club from defending their player and criticising the change of decision and many believe the application of VAR is bringing football rules into further disrepute given the lack of consistency.
.Speaking after the game, the manager said.
“Casemiro is across European leagues, in over 500 games he had never a red card and now he has twice. He plays tough but he plays fair, also in this he is playing fair. Same as against Palace, so it is very debatable. When you freeze it looks bad, but everyone who knows something about football, who is acting on top football, they know what is bad and what isn’t bad, what is fair. I tell you, Casemiro is a really fair player. Tough but fair and it shows over 500 games in big leagues, never sent off.”
Fans who have watched the replays of the incident will undoubtedly have their own thoughts on whether or not it was a straight red card offence, as there will be those who point out that he quite clearly got a touch on the top of the ball before making contact with the Southampton player, and that contact made it a yellow card offence. There will also be those who side with Ten Hag’s argument about the ongoing VAR inconsistencies where other very contentious moments are never reviewed by the referee on the pitch.
It will not overly change the course of United’s season, but you can guarantee it will not be long before VAR causes more controversy this season.
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