Casemiro's calm reaction to pitch invader as Man Utd team-mates watch on

18 January 2023 , 22:57

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Casemiro was approached by a fan during the Manchester United game

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was the calmest man on the pitch as a pitch invader disrupted his team's game against Crystal Palace.

United were chasing a 10th straight win in all competitions, and took the lead through Bruno Fernandes towards the end of the first half. They couldn't add to their lead, though, and were punished when Michael Olise fired home a stoppage-time equaliser.

In between the two goals, there was a bizarre moment as an individual ran onto the pitch. As others stood and stared, though, Casemiro didn't let the interruption bother him one bit, even staying still as the invader posed for a selfie.

The pitch invader was allowed to get up close to Casemiro, but the Brazil international did not let it affect him. Eventually, the interloper was escorted off the pitch and the two teams were able to resume the game.

For 80 minutes, it looked like being a good day for Erik ten Hag's side as they looked to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal ahead of a game away to Mikel Arteta's side on Sunday. However, a yellow for Casemiro 10 minutes from time will keep him out of that match, and things got worse from there on out.

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Olise's free-kick beat David de Gea, and Casemiro missed a golden chance to put United back in front when he couldn't get a strong enough connection as he attempted to meet a late corner. The gap to Arsenal is now eight points, rather than the six it would have been if United had held on for the win.

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A pitch invader posed for a photo with Casemiro (Getty Images)

United boss Ten Hag insisted his team was not too worried about taking on Arsenal without their £60m summer signing. He pointed out that Casemiro didn't start the reverse fixture in September, playing just 10 minutes as the Red Devils won 3-1 at Old Trafford, saying: "The last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro so this time we need to do the same."

Since that game, though, Arsenal have been close to unstoppable. The Gunners have played 12 times in the league since losing Old Trafford, winning 10 and drawing two, with Newcastle the only opponents to deny them victory at the Emirates Stadium.

"I think it’s instinctive," Ten Hag said of the challenge on Wilfried Zaha which saw Casemiro go into the book. "He missed the ball. It’s quite clear it have been a dangerous situation. He wanted to stop it and that was his reaction."

After their trip to Arsenal, United will have a chance for revenge against Palace as they take on the Eagles at Old Trafford. In between those two league outings is an FA Cup fourth round game, with United hosting Reading.

Tom Victor