The ex-Real Madrid man is facing a four-match suspension after his red card against Southampton, which doesn't bode well for the Red Devils
Manchester United better brace themselves for the next four domestic matches without Casemiro, as they often fall apart when the Brazilian is missing.
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The Brazilian's red card against Southampton means they will have to cope without their midfield linchpin for the next four domestic games (he can still play in the Europa League).
He will miss Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final tie against Fulham, plus the visit to Newcastle on April 2 as well as the home fixtures against Brentford and Everton.
Only Marcus Rashford can lay a claim to being as pivotal as him to the Red Devils' resurgence under Erik ten Hag, and the best indication of the former Real Madrid man's importance to the Dutchman's side is how they have struggled in his absence this season.
GOAL takes a look at all the matches United have played without starting Casemiro since the season begun. Look away now, Red Devils' fans…
Getty ImagesMan Utd 1-2 Brighton: The need for a top midfielder is laid bare
After a really encouraging pre-season campaign, there was a huge sense of optimism ahead of United's opening game of the campaign at home to Brighton.
That was quickly replaced by a sense of doom when United were overran in midfield by Moises Caicedo and Pascal Gross, who scored twice in the first half.
Despite a summer of renewal with Ten Hag, United's backbone was still 'McFred', Scott McTominay and Fred, and it was painfully obvious new blood was needed in midfield.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesBrentford 4-0 Man Utd: "I'll fix this"
If Brighton was a warning of the coming storm, Brentford was the hurricane.
United were picked apart by Thomas Frank's side in one of the club's most humiliating Premier League results, and people were already questioning whether Ten Hag could sort out the mess.
Meanwhile, from his home in Madrid, Casemiro was watching with interest. United had spoken to his agent about a possible move as he was at risk of being usurped as first-choice holding midfielder in Carlo Ancelotti's starting line-up by the signing of Aurelien Tchouameni.
"Tell them I'll fix this", Casemiro reportedly told his agent, urging him to answer United's call.
Getty ImagesMan Utd 2-1 Liverpool: Paraded on the pitch
Casemiro officially completed his move from Madrid to United worth £70 million on the day of the match with Liverpool, but his arrival did little to stem fans' fury against the Glazer ownership.
He was welcomed by fans, but the applause for him was drowned out by "We want Glazers out" chants.
United did not need him on this occasion, storming to victory thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
GettySouthampton 0-1 Man Utd: The debut
The Brazilian made his debut in a 10-minute cameo off the bench in relatively comfortable victory, as Bruno Fernandes scored the only goal.