Man Utd set for major Carabao Cup final boost as Ten Hag confirms difficult decision

Manchester United are likely to receive a major boost for the Carabao Cup final with Casemiro set to return from suspension.

On Saturday Casemiro received a straight red card following a second-half melee triggered by a clash between United winger Antony and Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp.

United players reacted angrily when Schlupp shoved Antony towards the perimeter boards. However, amid the subsequent commotion, Casemiro was caught with his hands around the neck of Palace midfielder Will Hughes and received his marching orders.

While Ten Hag accepted the Brazilian had “crossed the line” after the game, he questioned why Jordan Ayew had not been dismissed too. The Dutchman claimed Ayew also grabbed United midfielder Fred around the throat.

Ten Hag told the BBC: "I see two teams fighting each other. I see two teams where several players crossed the line and one player is picked out and gets sent off. For me, that's not right.

"When you freeze, Casemiro has crossed the line. But many more players are crossing the line. It's about consistency."

Casemiro’s red card means he will miss the closing stages of United’s 2-1 win over Palace, while the Brazilian is banned for the next three games.

Will United appeal Casemiro’s red card?

Ten Hag admitted the club would not appeal Casemiro’s red card, meaning the 30-year-old is likely to return for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.

During Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, ahead of the Old Trafford club's game with Leeds United, Ten Hag was asked whether United had considered appealing the sending-off.

“Consider? Yeah,” the United boss admitted, before adding: “Still, for me, it's not the right decision [to send Casemiro off] but I don't think we have a chance in a legal process.”

Indeed, as reported in the Manchester Evening News, if the FA disciplinary panel reject an appeal case and deem it to be “frivolous” then an extra game is added to the suspension.

Given United have decided against appealing the decision, Casemiro’s return from suspension will be in time for the Carabao Cup final.

United will be hoping to win their first silverware of any kind since 2017 when they take on Newcastle at Wembley on February 26.