Casemiro was the victim of a horrible tackle by Rosenborg defender Tomas Nemcik just 18 minutes into Manchester United’s first pre-season friendly of the summer on Monday.
United are eager to sell Casemiro this summer in order to reduce his high salary, but the 32-year-old midfielder was named captain against Rosenborg.
The 23-year-old Slovakian Nemcik then delivered a powerful kick just below his right knee, as if he had lost control after losing possession.
If this had been a competitive match, Nemcik would most certainly have been sent off.
He escaped with a yellow card. More importantly, Casemiro escaped with no injuries and was able to finish the first half.
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Tomas Nemcik (centre) pictured receiving a yellow card after a bad foul on Casemiro (No 18)
One of the more experienced United players participating on Monday was Casemiro.
The game was also started by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Mason Mount, and Marcus Rashford, other first-team regulars.
Radek Vitek, Sam Murray, Will Fish, Hannibal Mejbri, Ethan Williams, and Ethan Wheatley comprised the remaining starting XI.
Goalkeeper Vitek was the only starter left on the pitch by manager Erik ten Hag’s eleven substitutions made at halftime.
Noah Holm’s goal in extra time at the end of the second half gave Rosenborg the victory, 1-0.
Ten Hag’s team will play Rangers at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday in United’s next preseason friendly.
After that, the Red Devils will travel to the United States to play matches against Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool.
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Casemiro started Monday’s match in Trondheim wearing the captain’s armband for United
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In their starting lineup against Rosenborg, United included both inexperienced players and well-seasoned pros.
On August 10, following their return from the United States tour, United will play Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley.
The opening Premier League match of United’s 2024–25 campaign will take place on Friday, August 16, at home against Fulham.