Manchester United have reportedly been handed a huge boost ahead of their Premier League clash against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The controversial red card given to Lucas Paqueta in the Hammers’ 2-0 loss at home to Liverpool means the Brazilian won’t be available for the match against United.
Paquetá was sent off in the 84th minute following two yellow cards in quick succession, both for dissent against referee Darren England.
Match reports state that Paquetá’s first booking followed a verbal protest, but he didn’t back down. Despite repeated cautions to play on, he persisted in arguing, which resulted in a second yellow and an eventual red card.
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Paqueta Blasts The FA For Failing To Provide ‘Psychological Support’
Following the incident, Paquetá spoke to supporters and the media, apologizing but with a twist.
He blasted the Football Association (FA) for allegedly failing to offer “psychological support” during the two-year spot-fixing probe that surrounded him before he was exonerated earlier this year.
Lucas Paquetá has explained his red card against Liverpool 🟥 pic.twitter.com/TG8UkPCkW4
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 30, 2025
He admits his actions was driven in part by the mental strain of that incident.
The red card presents an immediate tactical challenge for West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo. With their most creative midfielder sidelined, West Ham will likely have to reconfigure their midfield just as they try to climb out of difficulty.
Man United, meanwhile, will see this as a fantastic chance to build on their recent hard-won victory against Crystal Palace.
That victory, which ended Palace’s nine-month unbeaten run at Selhurst Park, demonstrated United’s willingness to grind out results even when not at their best.
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