Jamie Carragher's Liverpool FC claim could soon be proved wrong by Manchester United

If you'd told Manchester United fans that one of their players would be sent off against Southampton and subsequently suspended, most would have crossed their fingers that the man in question wasn't Casemiro.

The midfielder has been sensational since his arrival from Real Madrid in the summer and his performances have been praised. However, the only issue with him having such a huge impact on the side is that when the Brazilian isn't available United look a far weaker outfit.

United lost 3-2 to Arsenal in his absence and faltered against Leeds when he was serving the first game of his three-match ban, following a red card against Crystal Palace. The Reds essentially played without Casemiro entirely at Anfield after a horror performance from the midfielder.

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On Monday Night Football following the 7-0 loss, Jamie Carragher claimed that an off day for Casemiro or his absence entirely causes major problems for the Reds. He said: "This has been one of the best players of the season.

"But what this [poor display vs Liverpool] shows us is how important Casemiro is to Manchester United. Not playing away at Manchester City, they concede six.

"Not playing away at Arsenal, conceding three and getting battered. Basically, him not being at the races at Anfield and Manchester United concede seven.

"So what I am actually showing here... yes, it is a negative piece, but it shows how important Casemiro is for Manchester United when he is on his game. But he was no way near it, he was miles off it."

Should Marcel Sabitzer not overcome his injury by next Saturday, all eyes will turn to Fred and Scott McTominay to fill the rather substantial shoes of Casemiro. But it is more than