Everton winger Andros Townsend praises Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo

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Everton winger Andros Townsend has praised Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo for the quality the pair showed in Manchester United’s winner at Goodison Park.

The former Real Madrid duo combined to devastating effect on the stroke of half-time on Sunday night to punish the Toffees.

United’s midfield enforcer won back possession in trademark fashion, and then split Frank Lampard’s side open with a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Ronaldo.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who had only been on the pitch for 15 minutes after replacing the injured Anthony Martial, smashed the ball past Jordan Pickford with his left foot to net his 700th goal in club football.

Andros Townsend praises Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo

It was former Arsenal man and Nigeria international Alex Iwobi who gave Everton the lead with a clinical curling finish, which left David de Gea with no chance, after Casemiro had been uncharacteristically caught in possession.

But after Antony drew United level with his third Premier League in as many games, Casemiro and Ronaldo, both five-time Champions League winners, took centre stage.

Despite netting Everton’s opener, it was Iwobi who was caught in possession after trying to take on the steely Brazil international.

Townsend, who is currently out with a cruciate knee ligament injury, has told The Final Word that Iwobi was “devastated” to have given the ball away.

But the 13-time England international, who was speaking with former Manchester United striker Michael Owen, praised Casemiro and Ronaldo for the quality they displayed when punishing the blue half of Merseyside.

The 31-year-old said: “So clinical. Alex was devastated after the match, giving away the ball and conceding a goal. It was an unbelievable ball from Casemiro and for Ronaldo, so clinical, on his weaker left foot as well, it was heart-breaking to watch.”

Last October, Townsend scored at Old Trafford in a 1-1 draw and decided to copy Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siuuu’ celebration.

The former Crystal Palace man revealed after the game that he mimicked Ronaldo’s celebration out of respect for who he believes is the greatest player of all time.

And after asking up to four times – he managed to persuade United’s number seven to hand over his shirt to him.