Manchester United have been handed a significant early advantage ahead of their Premier League showdown with West Ham United on Thursday night.
West Ham talisman Lucas Paqueta was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession during their 2–0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
His first booking came for dissent, but in a moment of needless self-sabotage, he continued berating referee Darren England.
Despite several warnings to get on with the game, Paqueta bizarrely persisted with his protests, earning a second yellow and an inevitable red card.
The Brazilian playmaker has scored four goals in 13 appearances this season across all competitions.
The £30.5 million-rated attacking midfielder is the type of player who can decide a match single-handedly when he is in the mood.
However, recurring temperament issues and lingering off-field controversies continue to overshadow his undoubted talent.
His latest flashpoint hands United a clear psychological and tactical edge heading into the fixture.
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo now faces the headache of reshuffling his starting XI without his most creative midfielder.
The Hammers have collected just 11 points this season and are hovering precariously above the relegation zone.
Espirito Santo may be forced to alter his system, just as he did during Paqueta’s absence in their 2–2 draw with AFC Bournemouth.
Ruben Amorim must ensure United capitalise on this moment of vulnerability and avoid a repeat of their costly slip-up against Everton at Old Trafford.
Beating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park is never a simple task, and United must build on that gritty victory with another disciplined performance.
Stats from Fotmob.com