Former Real Madrid superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro combined to devastating effect in Manchester United’s 2-1 win against Everton last night.
Making his maiden Premier League start, the Brazilian played an inch-perfect pass into the path of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner who slotted home what proved to be the winner past Jordan Pickford, on the stroke of half-time.
It was the 37-year-old’s 700th club goal in his career, and Casemiro was visibly delighted to have played such an integral part in Ronaldo creating yet more footballing history.
Although it was the first time the pair had combined with one and other to score a goal for the Red Devils, the five-time Champions League winners had previously linked up in the Spanish capital.
How Cristiano Ronaldo drew level with Benzema after netting 700th goal vs Everton from Casemiro pass
Casemiro’s assist for Ronaldo at Goodison Park was the seventh joint goal participation between the pair.
Ronaldo’s first Premier League goal of the season moves him level with former Los Blancos teammates Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos who have also combined to score seven goals with the Brazilian midfield enforcer.
From 116 games played together, Casemiro has assisted Ronaldo five times and Portugal’s national team captain has repaid the favour twice to the 30-year-old.
Erik ten Hag will be hoping Ronaldo moves comfortably out on his own, in Casemiro’s joint goal participation stats, in the coming weeks and months.
Sitting top of Ronaldo’s joint goal participation chart is Benzema. They combined to 76 goals from 342 matches for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman laid on 47 goals for Ronaldo whereas Madrid’s all-time top scorer provided 29 goals.
Wayne Rooney sits top of Ronaldo’s joint goal participation section for Manchester United. The talented duo who dazzled under Sir Alex Ferguson combined to score 25 goals from 206 matches.
Rooney set up Ronaldo 11 times whereas United’s number seven assisted England and United’s all-time top scorer on 14 occasions.
Bruno Fernandes is leading the way when it comes to active United players with the Portuguese duo combining to score three goals since Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford from Juventus last summer.
But having combined to score three goals in 11 Manchester United appearance together, the Selecao duo haven’t linked up since Ronaldo netted away in Atalanta in November last year.
Fernandes’ three assists for Ronaldo have come from 46 appearances.
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