Manchester United and Real Madrid recently faced each other in a pre-season friendly. The preparatory clash between the sides also saw ex-player Casemiro meet his former teammates and manager after the game.
Casemiro joined the Los Blancos in 2013 and was a major part of their highly successful team for 7 years. The Brazilian later sailed to Manchester United in 2022, potentially looking for a new challenge away from Madrid.
Within 1 year, the player turned into a fan favorite, with the midfielder significantly improving the quality of the red devils’ midfield. The 31-year-old scored 4 goals from the defensive midfield position while providing 3 assists as well. After having won the Carabao Cup in his first season, the veteran could aim towards bringing more trophies to Old Trafford,
Ancelotti, Modric, and Kroos have long conversation with Casemiro
Two of Europe’s longest-standing powerhouses, Manchester United and Real Madrid played the pre-season friendly in the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. After the match ended, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, and midfielders Luka Modric and Toni Kroos had a long conversation with their ex-teammate Casemiro.
This was the first time the Brazilian was facing Real Madrid since leaving the franchise in 2022, after winning 3 La Liga titles, 5 Champions League, and a Copa Del Rey with the club.
Modric and Kroos wrote an open letter to the Brazilian when he departed in 2022, paying tribute to his character and ability, wishing him well in the future. Even after 1 year, there seems to be no love lost between the pair and Casemiro, as depicted in the way they were interacting.
Moreover, Carlo Ancelotti was questioned about Casemiro in his post-match press conference. The Italian answered, “Casemiro? We love him very much. For us, he’s still a Real Madrid player. He’s a Real Madrid legend.”
Real Madrid’s wins vs Manchester United
On the field, however, it was not the result Casemiro would’ve hoped for. Real Madrid were the better side on the day, beating the red devils 2-0. New signings, Jude Bellingham and Joselu made their debuts for Los Blancos, and both found themselves on the scoresheet.
Jude Bellingham scored an outrageous chip over Man United’s new goalkeeper Andre Onana. It was bettered by Joselu, who scored a beautiful and athletic overhead kick smashing the ball into the back of the net.
After beating Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester United fell short of beating European powerhouses Real Madrid. It was back-to-back losses for the red devils, who also lost to Wrexham 1-3. Real Madrid is now set for a pre-season El-Classico showdown against FC Barcelona whereas Erik Ten Hag’s men are scheduled to play against Dortmund on July, 30.
