- Casemiro started as captain in Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Rosenborg
- He was the victim of a poor tackle by Tomas Nemcik in the 18th minute.
- Nemcik was lucky not to be sent off and Casemiro was lucky not to get injured.
Casemiro suffered a horrific challenge from Rosenborg defender Tomas Nemcik just 18 minutes into Manchester United’s first pre-season friendly of the summer on Monday.
United are willing to sell Casemiro this summer to reduce his high wages but the 32-year-old midfielder was handed the captain’s armband against Rosenborg.
He then received a strong kick just below the right knee from 23-year-old Slovakian Nemcik, who appeared to lose control after losing possession.
Had it been a competitive match, Nemcik would probably have been sent off.
He did get a yellow card anyway. But the most important thing is that Casemiro came out unscathed and was able to complete the first half.
Tomas Nemcik (centre) pictured receiving a yellow card after a serious foul on Casemiro (number 18)
Nemcik caught Casemiro just below the knee after losing control of the ball in the 18th minute
Casemiro was one of the more senior United players to come on for the match on Monday.
His first-team teammates Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford also started.
The rest of the starting eleven consisted of Radek Vitek, Sam Murray, Will Fish, Hannibal Mejbri, Ethan Williams and Ethan Wheatley.
Coach Erik ten Hag made 10 changes at half-time, with goalkeeper Vitek the only starter not to be substituted.
United’s next pre-season friendly is scheduled for Saturday, when Ten Hag’s men take on Rangers at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
The Red Devils will then fly to the United States where they will play Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.
Casemiro started Monday’s game in Trondheim wearing the United captain’s armband.
United’s starting XI against Rosenborg included a mix of young players and experienced stars.
After returning from the United States, United will face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 10.
United’s first Premier League game of the 2024-25 season is at home to Fulham on Friday night on August 16.