Ex-Man Utd star Casemiro endures nightmare begin to Inter Miami profession on debut
Former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro endured a nightmare Inter Miami home debut
Casemiro left Manchester United this summer as a free agent(Image: Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United star Casemiro endured a tough opening game for Inter Miami following his exit from Old Trafford. The 34-year-old scored an own goal as the Major League Soccer outfit were forced to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew.
Casemiro gave the ball away with a wayward pass before inadvertently deflecting the ball past his own goalkeeper to get Columbus on the score sheet and draw the match level after Luis Suarez’s opener.
The former United midfielder appeared to be visibly irritated by his error, before Noah Allen went on to put Miami in front again before Columbus got another equaliser through Brais Mendez in the second half.
Mendez found the back of the net in the 84th minute to secure a point with a late leveller. Despite his error, Casemiro completed the full 90 minutes for the second game running.
Casemiro joined Inter Miami as a free agent(Image: Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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His first start resulted in a 1-0 win over Montreal, a match overshadowed by a serious injury to his new team-mate German Berterame.
The ex-Real Madrid ace left United at the end of the season when his contract ran out. The Brazil international had a standout final season with United but announced his plans to depart at the beginning of the year.
The seasoned midfielder represented his nation at the World Cup before his new club was unveiled following Brazil’s exit in the last 16. Casemiro inked a one-year deal, with an option to extend his stay until 2029.
Earlier in the week, Casemiro revealed he’d dreamt of playing alongside MLS superstar Lionel Messi. The World Cup finalist came off the bench against Columbus to fulfil his former rival’s dream.
Casemiro of Inter Miami(Image: Rich Storry/Getty Images)
“The amount of trouble Messi gave me. of course, I dreamed of playing with him,” Casemiro said. “I always wanted to play with the best. I could never stop him, I always needed the help of my teammates.
“I am very happy to be alongside him now and I want to continue winning titles with him. I want to enjoy being alongside him, help him and make him even greater. He is one of the gods of football, if not the God of football himself, and I want to help.”
Casemiro’s move has not been without its controversy, however. The MLS confirmed they were investigating his transfer after Inter Miami reached an agreement with LA Galaxy for the rights to secure his services.
“The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” the MLS said.
“While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the discovery priority [first rights] to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”
