Luton boss makes himself clear after Casemiro escapes red card in Man Utd match

18 February 2024 , 19:29

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Casemiro escaped a second booking after fouling Ross Barkley

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards suggested Manchester United midfielder Casemiro might have "got away with one" after escaping a red card against the Hatters..

Casemiro was booked with a little over half an hour on the clock at Kenilworth Road on Sunday after a foul on Amari'i Bell. The former Real Madrid man was guilty of another foul minutes later, catching Ross Barkley, but avoided a second yellow despite protests from the home side.

United boss Erik ten Hag took no chances at half-time, withdrawing Casemiro and also taking off Harry Maguire after the centre-back also went into the book. The match remained 11 versus 11, and the visitors held on for a 2-1 victory after some nervy moments.

After the game, Edwards was asked for his thoughts on that second Casemiro foul. Speaking to beIN Sports, the Welshman made it clear he shared his players' frustrations.

"I think the fact that he came off at half-time maybe tells you a little bit of that story," Edwards told beIN Sports. "So, yeah, I think maybe he got away with one there."

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"It's tough," he added. "We need decisions to go our way, but I'm not one to complain about things. In the end I think a lot of the game is in our control.

"We're going to keep looking, working to be even better, but what I've seen there is a team that's pushed Manchester United all the way, dominated large spells of the game. We were vulnerable to some counter-attacks, we took some risks, we've got to be better to manage those counter-attacking moments, but there was lots there to like about that performance."

Did Casemiro deserve a second yellow card? Have your say in the comments section

Casemiro was withdrawn at the break by Manchester United (AFP via Getty Images)

Edwards wasn't the only one to consider Casemiro lucky. Former United captain Gary Neville was on commentary duty, and he made his feelings clear.

"He’s shouting, who is he shouting at? Garnacho?" Neville asked. "He’s ripping him apart, but to be fair, it’s not Garnacho’s fault because Casemiro was the one who lost the ball! Casemiro, if he manages to stay on the pitch for the next five minutes, then he has to be taken off at halftime."

Former Luton defender Curtis Davies, working as a Sky Sports pundit for the game, also blamed Casemiro for Maguire's yellow card. The centre-back was booked for a foul moments after Casemiro pulled out of another challenge with Barkley for fear of getting his marching orders.

Luton's defeat leaves them just a point outside the relegation zone, with rivals Everton in action on Monday night against Crystal Palace. However, Edwards' side will have another chance to get points on the board in midweek as they take on injury-hit Liverpool.

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Tom Victor