05 February 2023 , 12:04
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Luke Shaw says Manchester United must cope with the enforced loss of Casemiro by showing their squad depth.
Midfielder Casemiro will serve a three-match domestic ban following his straight red card for violent conduct, after he grabbed Palace's Will Hughes by the throat.
The Brazilian will miss back-to-back league games against Leeds and one against Leicester, with United's new loan signing Marcel Sabitzer replacing him.
United defender Shaw said: “We’re extremely disappointed to lose him. But I think it’s now a big opportunity for someone else to come in and make their mark on this team and show their qualities and why they’re here.”
Casemiro's dismissal came following a VAR check after a mass brawl involving both sides, which was sparked by a foul on United winger Antony.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
“To be honest there were so many people there, I didn’t actually know what was going on,” said Shaw. “I think a lot of players on the pitch were asking ‘who’s it for?’. Someone mentioned Cassy and I think everyone knows that, when the ref goes over to the monitor, then it’s not going to be good.”
Manager Erik ten Hag admitted that United are weighing up an appeal over Casemiro's red card, despite admitting his actions were not right. He did, however, that it wasn't just Casemiro who crossed a line in the 20-man brawl.
"First of all, we have to deal with it and we will do, but it is not right," Ten Hag said. "It shouldn't have happened. This was avoidable and because in this incident there have to be consequences and they are inconsistent and that is not right, that is not fair against us.
A 20-man brawl broke out in the game between Manchester United and Crystal Palace (MICAH CROOK/PPAUK/REX/Shutterstock)
A VAR check led to Casemiro's dismissal (MICAH CROOK/PPAUK/REX/Shutterstock)"We have to think about [appealing]. But be fair, we have seen when you're freezing (the frame), Casemiro is crossing the line. But many more players were crossing the line there.
"We get also some warnings about our team reacting like this and I think you have to do it, you have to protect each other but we want to keep our standards and values at Man United, keep them high."
Shaw also praised Marcus Rashford, who took his goal tally for the season to 19 with the 62nd-minute winner. “He’s on that hot streak and he’s learned now to always be in the right positions to score goals and he’s doing that,” said Shaw.
“He’s a man on fire at the moment and a very vital part of our team and the way we’re performing at the moment, it’s a lot down to him and what he’s been doing. “Hopefully he can keep on getting the goals and keep the high performances at a good level.”