Manchester United
Manchester United

Manchester United were back to their regular business as they went crashing down to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in their Europa League opener. The Red Devils were on the back of four straight wins in the Premier League against Sociedad, but failed to emulate the performance. Moreover, their marquee summer signing Casemiro drew the ire of the fans after his disappointing display against a side he knew from his Real Madrid days.

Casemiro was handed his first start by Erik ten Hag since his £60 million move from the Los Blancos. The Brazilian has penned a lucrative four-year deal, with an option of another year which will see him pocket a hefty salary of £325,000 per-week. However, his display in the Europa League fixture didn’t synchronise with his usual standards as the Red Devils’ fans couldn’t help but have a go at him.

Manchester United
Manchester United’s £60 million midfielder Casemiro was not as good as his price tag against Real Sociedad in their Europa League opener. Credits: Twitter

‘Total Robbery’- Fans slam the £60 million Manchester United midfielder

Manchester United went wit their full force for the acquisition of Casemiro from Real Madrid as they shelled out a package of £70 million, which consisted of £60m guaranteed fee and add-ons worth £10m. However, some argued the Brazilian was United’s alternative to Frenkie de Jong who refused to join them. But questions were raised over the club spending £70m on a ’30-year-old’s signing and offering him almost £20m in annual wages.

While it may take time for Casemiro to settle in at Old Trafford, the fans don’t seem to share the same patience as the club. They were fuming with the 30-year-old’s inclusion in the starting eleven itself after he couldn’t help the team deliver a win in his first start. Casemiro did look off-pace as he only managed a 77% pass completion rate, 4 duels won, dribbled past 3 times and just a tackle won.

United eventually succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sociedad as a handball in the box from Lisandro Martinez resulted in the referee pointing straight to the spot. Brais Mendez made no mistake in slotting it past David de Gea for the goal which proved to be decisive. United failed to respond despite having the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch. Here are some reactions from the fans who ripped apart his teammate Casemiro for an abysmal display.

United now face a tough trip to Selhurst Park in their next game as they take on Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace. Ten Hag’s men will need to respond against the Eagles with their fifth consecutive win in the league to shrug-off the Sociedad debacle. It will now be interesting to see whether or not Ten Hag starts Casemiro in the line-up or the keeps him on the bench as he has in his last three league games.