Casemiro suffers nightmare home debut for Inter Miami
Former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro had a home debut to forget at new club Inter Miami. The Brazilian scored an own goal in the 34th minute as Inter Miami drew with the Columbus Crew.
The 34 year-old played a wayward pass to the opposition, diverting the ball past his own keeper as he tried to make amends by intercepting a cross. His blunder drew the Columbus Crew level after Luis Suarez's opener in the 16th minute.
Casemiro was visibly frustrated by his mistake, but Inter Miami regained the advantage before the break. Noah Allen found the net in the fifth minute of first-half added time to put the home side back in front.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Brais Mendez scored in the 84th minute to ensure a share of the spoils with a late equaliser.
Despite his blunder, Casemiro played the full 90 minutes for the second consecutive match. His first start delivered a 1-0 victory over Montreal that was marred by a serious injury sustained by his new team-mate German Berterame.
From Manchester United exit to MLS scrutiny
The former Real Madrid star departed Manchester United at the end of the campaign, when his contract expired. The Brazil international enjoyed an impressive final season with United but revealed his intentions to move on at the start of the year.
The experienced midfielder represented his country at the World Cup before his new club was announced following Brazil's last-16 elimination. Casemiro penned a one-year contract, with an option to prolong his stint until 2029.
Speaking earlier in the week, Casemiro disclosed he'd fantasised about lining up alongside MLS sensation Lionel Messi. The World Cup runner-up entered the fray from the substitutes' bench against Columbus to realise his former adversary's ambition.
"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 switch has arrived with its own share of controversy, though. The MLS confirmed they were examining his transfer after Inter Miami struck an agreement with LA Galaxy for the rights to secure his signature.
"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."
This situation follows earlier scrutiny around Casemiro's move, with MLS already reviewing the transfer process amid Discovery Priority concerns.
His arrival also came after he made clear that the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi was a major part of the appeal, saying he wanted to be “alongside him now” and “continue winning titles with him.”
That backdrop has only added to the attention around every Inter Miami appearance, with his home debut now remembered for an own goal, a draw and another twist in a transfer story that has already drawn league scrutiny.
