Casemiro's black eye traced to Palace collision as he plays through injury

Casemiro arrived at St James’ Park with a pronounced black eye and swelling on his left cheek, prompting surprise among Manchester United supporters. The injury dates back to a late-game collision in United’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace last Sunday, with initial swelling visible at the final whistle and the mark worsening by the time the squad travelled to Tyneside.

Despite the facial damage, the 34-year-old headed home on the stroke of half-time from a Bruno Fernandes set-piece for his sixth Premier League goal of the season — four of which have come from Fernandes’ dead-ball deliveries. His equaliser was not enough, however, as a late strike from William Osula secured a 2-1 defeat against ten-man Newcastle after Jacob Ramsey’s red card, ending Michael Carrick’s seven-match unbeaten run as head coach.

United have decided not to trigger a one-year extension in Casemiro’s contract, meaning he will be released when his deal expires in June.

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