Man Utd great Dwight Yorke slams 'petty' Casemiro for red card vs Crystal Palace and urges McTominay and Fred to step up
MANCHESTER United legend Dwight Yorke has claimed midfielder Casemiro was “petty” for getting red-carded against Crystal Palace last weekend.
In an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes, the three- time Premier League winner said: “You’ve got to be aware of anything cynical you might do these days as a footballer, especially with VAR.
"Casemiro is an experienced player, a serial winner who should know to keep calm in those situations. The game is not like it used to be, where you could square up to players and things would get physical.
"The game has moved on, and you’ve got to be aware of what you’re doing, knowing cameras are watching you. You’re under scrutiny from the very first whistle to the last, so I think it was petty from Casemiro to do what he did.”
In the Brazil international’s absence, Yorke has called on Fred and Scott McTominay, who have come under fire on numerous occasions, to step up.
“It’s harsh on [Casemiro’s] team-mates because we all know what he brings to the table, and they’re a much better side with him involved.
"He’ll be a massive loss for them, but this is where the top teams are tested; you need players to come in and do the job while he’s out.
"For the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred, their job right now is simple: they’ve got to stand up and earn their money. You’ve got to come in when the team needs you.
“Erik ten Hag needs to pull those players aside and stress how much he needs them in Casemiro’s absence.
"That’s where you get team unity; when the boys sitting on the bench can come in and do a job; help the team. These fringe players have to stand up.
"It’s why you have such big squads. You can’t rely on one player all season; there has to be depth in quality, otherwise what are you getting paid for?
"I hope the players recognise that, and I hope Ten Hag can trust his players. This is their moment. He needs them now.”
The former United striker also discussed the reaction to Casemiro’s previous suspension.
“I found the whole situation around Casemiro missing the Arsenal game a little strange to be honest,” Yorke added.
“Yes, he’s been instrumental for the team, but there was so much made of the fact that he’d miss the game, but the team as a whole were on such a great run at the time. They should have focused on that as a positive heading into the match.
“Roy Keane didn’t play every game in a season, did he? And we had enough depth to not have to worry if he was unavailable. It didn’t become a huge talking point.”
To read Dwight Yorke’s full interview go to https://sports.ladbrokes.com/news/
GUNNING FOR GLORY
Manchester United could have genuinely entered the conversation if they managed to beat Leeds at Old Trafford on Wednesday night but they didn’t grasp the opportunity and a 2-2 draw means they are still on the outside looking in at odds of 20/1.
It is Arsenal who remain the firm 8/13 favourites to win the title. Manchester City could have taken advantage of the Gunners’ slip up against Everton, but that wasn’t the case and there is still a five-point gap between the two sides. Pep’s men remain at 6/4.
Those who backed Arsenal at 50/1 at the start of the season will be holding their breath between now and the end of the season!
From football to Six Nations, just how good were Ireland? We expected them to beat Wales, but not so emphatically.
Andy Farrell’s side have cemented their position at the head of the outright betting at 4/7.
The atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium is sure to be electric this after- noon, where the Boys In Green are 1/2 to see off reigning champions France.
A tight game is expected though, with Ireland even money to cover the five-point handicap.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS CAN STRIKE GOLD
By Paul Townend, Champion Jockey & Ladbrokes ambassador
I just have one ride today, and that is on Elimay at Naas (3.25). She was a Cheltenham Festival winner last year.
Her poor run at Clonmel in November was too bad to be true, and I hope she can come back to her best form. She has all the experience in the race.
There is plenty of pace in the race too. JP McManus’ Dinoblue is only a novice but has been running to a good level since going over fences.
She gets plenty of weight off us, and it will be interesting to see how it works out. If you can forgive Elimay for her last run, I think she sets the standard here.
Galopin Des Champs was excellent in winning the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival last weekend. I was so happy with him. He settled brilliantly again, like he did in the John Durkan, and is maturing all the time.
I love the way he quickened after getting impeded at the last. When I gave him a flick behind the saddle, he really picked up and galloped out through the line strongly.
The Gold Cup favourite is certainly going in the right direction!
