Erik ten Hag has jumped to the defence of beleaguered midfielder Casemiro, insisting Manchester United still ‘definitely need him’.
The 32-year-old was substituted at half-time after making two mistakes that allowed Liverpool to score in their 3-0 win at Old Trafford prior to the international break.
In 45 minutes, the Brazil international went joint-top in the Premier League for mistakes leading to shots and goals, sitting level with Ipswich Town goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Casemiro now faces a battle to make the Man Utd starting XI after the club’s signing of Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte at the end of the summer transfer window.
Ten Hag defends struggling Man Utd star Casemiro
Despite many calling for Casemiro to be sold as surplus to requirements, Ten Hag has defended the former Real Madrid man, who he believes still has a big role to play at Old Trafford.
“[I] definitely need him, for sure,” Ten Hag told reporters of Casemiro in his pre-Southmapton press conference (via BBC Sport).
“Of course, I speak with him about the situation, but everyone can have a bad at the office, or do you never have a bad day at the office?
“He is experienced and it’s not the first time, I guess, he has dealt with a bad game and now he has to overcome this one as well.
“But that is normal in life. You have highs and you have lows.”