Raphael Varane warns Man Utd ‘must find balance’ without suspended Casemiro

The Manchester United midfielder will miss the next four domestic games after he was sent off against Southampton.
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Raphael Varane has said Manchester United ‘must find balance’ with Casemiro suspended for the next four domestic matches.

The Brazilian was shown a controversial red card on Sunday as United drew 0-0 with Southampton, meaning he’ll sit out the FA Cup clash against Fulham at the weekend and the subsequent Premier League encounters against Newcastle United, Brentford and Everton. It’s an especially big blow given United are light on midfield options, with Marcel Sabitzer joining long-term absentees Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek on the sidelines.

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Casemiro’s influence has been key to United’s revival this season and his suspension is a big blow for the Red Devils. But, speaking after the scoreless draw with the Saints, Varane said United must find a way to cope without the midfielder.

“He’s a player who’s very important for us. He brings balance to the team and to the squad,” said Varane. “We have a great squad and we have to find another balance without him, but we have good players in every position on the pitch and we’re ready for the next games.

“I think he [Casemiro] was very disappointed because nobody wants to get out of the pitch before the end, but as I say, it’s part of football,” Varane added. “It was obviously very disappointing but we can focus on the next games and that’s it.

“We knew we needed to run a little bit more [as we had 10 men], to be a bit more defensive but we reacted as a team, as a group and with a good mentality. We fight for each other.

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“The crowd as well, we feel the support. I think we can be proud of the fighting spirit, obviously disappointed by the result but great teamwork today.”

The red card for Casemiro was a debatable decision with Ten Hag bemoaning the ‘inconsistencies’ of the officials after the game. Asked for his view, Varane admitted the players ‘can’t be happy’ with the dismissal.

“I think about decisions by the referee, I keep my opinions to myself,” he said. “We can’t be happy with the decision he takes but that’s part of football.”

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