Casemiro and Andre Onana share a bizarre moment in the build-up to Bruno Fernandes’ goal from the penalty spot during Man United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea
Andre Onana and Casemiro shared an emotional hug of relief as Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot to give Manchester United the lead against Chelsea in Sunday’s Old Trafford encounter, but eagle-eyed fans spotted a bizarre moment between the pair before the spot-kick was taken.
The match ultimately ended with Premier League points being shared as Moises Caicedo cancelled out Fernandes’ opener with a stunning strike just four minutes after the United captain’s goal.
However, it was all too much for Brazilian midfielder Casemiro to bear when Fernandes stepped up to the spot after Rasmus Hojlund had been brought down by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Instead of waiting for a potential rebound, Casemiro instead walked back to the halfway line and turned his back on the action as the Stretford End held it’s breath in anticipation.
The 32-year-old defensive midfielder was unusually joined by goalkeeper, Onana, who appeared to be talking him through what was happening as Fernandes stepped up to the spot.
Manchester United players celebrated emphatically after taking the lead against Chelsea
United’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (left) couldn’t watch the penalty as he was met by Andre Onana (right) on the halfway line
Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot to give United a rare lead against Chelsea
The risk involved meant Chelsea would have had an easy counter-attacking opportunity if Fernandes had missed with both Casemiro and Onana stranded in the middle of the pitch.
Fortunately for the duo, their skipper made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give the hosts a rare lead in their first Premier League game since Erik ten Hag was sacked as manager.
The pair then hugged emphatically as Old Trafford erupted in celebration while interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy wildly leapt for joy in the dugout.
A relieved Casemiro and Onana then ran to the corner flag to join their team-mates in celebration with Fernandes cutting an emotional figure as he was mobbed near the corner flag.
Fernandes faced criticism over his leadership abilities after the draw against Chelsea
Casemiro endured a game of mixed fortunes against Chelsea as United failed to secure victory
Fernandes was later criticised by United legend Roy Keane after the Portuguese revealed he had apologised to Ten Hag after the former manager’s contract was terminated.
The playmaker was made captain by Ten Hag at the start of last season and has regularly been slammed by ex-players over his lack of leadership abilities and on-pitch attitude.
Meanwhile, it is yet to be seen whether he will keep the armband when new head coach Ruben Amorim officially starts his Old Trafford tenure on November 11.
Amorim could opt to ultimately take the captaincy away from Fernandes as he looks to resurrect the club’s fortunes after their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
