Manchester United WILL NOT appeal Casemiro’s red card as he is ‘too much of a risk’, claims Gary Neville

Gary Neville believes an appeal against Casemiro’s red card against Crystal Palace on Saturday would be “too big a risk” for Manchester United, who will need the midfielder back for the crucial Carabao Cup final against Newcastle later this year. month.

The Brazilian was given his marching orders after putting both arms around the neck of Palace midfielder Will Hughes and will then miss United’s next three home games, including a fast-attacking double-header against Leeds and the trip Leicester at Old Trafford.

If the Red Devils appeal, they will risk the possibility of a prolonged ban, casting doubt on his availability for the final.

Despite Casemiro’s first-ever dismissal, Manchester United earned an important 2-1 win against the Eagles to climb within three points of rivals Manchester City – and eight points clear of league leaders Arsenal.

Neville is confident Erik ten Hag’s side can “get through” the Leeds and Leicester games without the Brazil international – but admitted his absence in the engine room will make things “difficult” for the Dutchman.

“It will never go down. It’s too big a risk,” he said during his Sky Sports podcast on Sunday. “They might risk another game and could raise it so they don’t appeal. I think they will feel they can get through the three games.

“It will be difficult for Ten Haag because he was the most important player for Manchester United, he held the ball well in midfield and Eriksen is obviously also out.”

Neville initially felt the red card was harsh – suggesting Casemiro showed some malice towards Hughes – but admitted the defensive midfielder took a chance by getting both hands on the Palace star.

“I thought it was harsh, but I thought Erik ten Hag summed it up perfectly when he said he ‘took a risk,'” he added.

“If you put your hands around someone’s neck, even if it’s just one of them, you can protect yourself, but I think once you put two you’re in trouble. And basically he’s taken a risk.

He is fantastic at winning the ball back and is always on the front foot, but he takes risks.

(Casemiro is the type of player who) commits a thousand fouls and is never punished. Fabinho and Rodri are the same. Fernandinho. They are great at it.

“They’re great at making sure a foul isn’t a yellow card – but it’s just been over a few times now.

“Even at the end of that fight, he ends up playing Will Hughes, but when you freeze it, it doesn’t look great. It seems to be strangling him.’

Although United have moved back into the title race, Neville was keen to downplay their chances against Arsenal and Manchester City.

The former Red Devils captain is delighted to see his old side looking “happy” again, unlike the defending champions, who suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday.

Neville continued: “I don’t think Manchester United will get there, I think they will suffer. I think the Eriksen injury for one, but it’s not exactly there?

“They’re doing really, really well, they’re competing and they seem happy again, that’s a really big thing.

“Manchester United must look happy on the pitch if you are a Manchester United fan. In this regard, they are doing well. It’s not ridiculous to suggest they could win, but I don’t think they will. But I would be worried if I were Manchester City.

“United look happy but City look moody at the moment. I think the Spurs did it a few weeks ago, but they’ve gotten away with it.

I think City should get out of it too. They need one of those meetings where you bring everyone together.’