At dawn next Monday, Manchester United will embark on the Premier League to challenge Arsenal, who are currently at the top of the table. As this crucial battle approaches, United is experiencing a "yellow card crisis", with Brazilian midfielders Casimiro and Fite having accumulated four yellow cards each. If they receive another card in the match against Crystal Palace in the early hours of Thursday morning, they will face a suspension and miss the clash with the Arsenal. The midfield duo need to be extra careful to avoid "breaking their legs" due to too many cards.
According to the rules of the Premier League, a player who accumulates five yellow cards in the first 19 rounds of the season is automatically suspended for one match. After United's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the last round, Casimiru and Fite were both shown yellow cards. They have now accumulated 4 yellows and will not be able to face Arsenal in the upcoming 19th round of the league if they are yellow carded again.
The biggest concern for the Red Devils up and down the pitch is undoubtedly the suspension of Kasmiru. Since joining from Real Madrid this season, Casimiru has become the backbone of United's midfield, playing a key role in both tackling and offense. It was he who assisted Bannu Fernandes' controversial goal against Manchester City in the last round, and Casimiru has contributed 2 goals and 3 assists in the EPL this season.
Although Fite is not a regular starter for Manchester United, he always brings surprises every time he plays. For example, he scored a goal against Tottenham Hotspur in October last year to help the Red Devils win 2-0. Against Manchester City, he also showed 3 successful interceptions and 4 accurate long passes, successfully freezing the rival's core player, Chieuwandi Bunny. Given the importance of the two to the team, many Manchester United fans suggested that coach Tannhäuser should consider resting the two against Crystal Palace, and let McTonigue take over the starting position.
