Manchester United fans were quick to laud Casemiro for his impressive showing against Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday night, with the Brazilian once again delivering a solid performance.
Erik ten Hag's men drew 2-2 with the Catalan outfit at the Camp Nou in the first leg of their play off tie, although it appeared for a brief period of time that the Reds would be returning to Old Trafford with a lead. Former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso opened the scoring in the 50th minute, but the in-form Marcus Rashford levelled proceedings just two minutes later.
The Reds had their first lead of the clash in the 59th minute thanks to an own goal from Jules Kounde, but ex-Leeds United man Raphinha made it 2-2 in the 76th minute. It was a result that United would probably have taken before kick-off, but Rashford suggested that it felt like a loss, while also questioning a controversial decision from the referee.
ALSO READ: Rashford disagrees with controversial referee decision in United vs Barcelona
United were boosted by the return of midfielder Casemiro, who has missed the last two Premier League matches - both against Leeds - through suspension. Ten Hag's men will also have to do without the services of the Brazilian for this weekend’s clash against Leicester City at Old Trafford, but he return after the game on Sunday.
The 30-year-old delivered another assured performance in what was his first appearance against Barcelona since leaving Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. During the game on Thursday night, Casemiro was bumped into by Gavi, but rather than reacting, the United man simply stared at his opposite number, before chest-bumping with former Los Blancos colleague Raphael Varane.
While Casemiro was somewhat at fault for Barcelona's equaliser - after giving the ball away in the build-up - he was still lauded by Reds supporters on social media. Here's how some United fans reacted to the Brazilian's strong showing against the Catalan outfit...
After the game, Ten Hag admitted that Casemiro should have been more aware for Barcelona's second goal, but insisted that he was not totally to blame.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Dutchman said: "That had nothing to do with being brave. This is a mistake, especially from the formation."
He added: "I think he can have done better. But what I say, it is a team. I talk about formation, the formation is no good. That’s why the mistake is coming."
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