Man Utd dealt huge blow ahead of Newcastle United visit after controversial Old Trafford decision

Manchester United are set to travel Newcastle United next month without key midfielder Casemiro after he picked up his second red card of the season in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Southampton.

The Brazilian was sent off in the 34th minute after referee Anthony Taylor was advised by VAR to review a tackle on Carlos Alcaraz. The midfielder appeared to win the ball before his studs went over the top and into the leg of the Southampton man.

Casemiro faces a four-match ban due to the red card being his second of the Premier League season, although he will only miss domestic games. His suspension starts against Fulham in the FA Cup next weekend.

After the international break, he will miss a fixture with Newcastle at St James’ Park alongside games against Brentford and Everton.

Manager Erik ten Hag was frustrated by the lack of consistency from the officials, as he felt a similar challenge had gone unpunished during Chelsea’s win over Leicester on City.

“Casemiro is across European leagues, in over 500 games he had never a red card and now he has twice,” said Ten Hag.

“He plays tough but he plays fair, also in this he is playing fair. Same as against Crystal 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.”

Newcastle enjoyed a better afternoon than their top-four rivals after ending their recent winless run with a 2-1 victory over Wolves.