Erik Ten Hag Backs ‘Struggling’ Casemiro Ahead Of Southampton Clash

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has publicly backed a struggling Casemiro as the Red Devils prepare for a trip to Southampton.

Erik Ten Hag Backs Struggling Casemiro

The Dutchman has been pushed into defending his out-of-form midfielder, claiming that the Red Devils will ‘definitely need him’ during the 24/25 campaign.

In Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, the Brazil international had a disastrous 45 minutes, handing Liverpool two goals and being substituted at the break.

The performance was not at the level that is needed as a Manchester United player and Casemiro managed to join Ipswich Town goalie, Arjianet Muric, for errors leading to shots and goals.

His place in the starting eleven has now come under question, with the club signing Manuel Ugarte from PSG for around £42 million.

Both Casemiro and Ugarte occupy the same position, with Kobbie Mainoo cementing himself as the first midfielder behind Bruno Fernandes.

Several supporters have called for Casemiro’s departure, as a move to Saudi Arabia appeared to be on the table during the summer.

However, ten Hag has been quick to support the former Real Madrid star and feels he can play a huge part in United’s season.

🚨🇧🇷 Ten Hag: “We definitely need Casemiro, for sure”.

“Everyone can have a bad day at the office”.

“He is experienced. It’s not the first time he’s had to deal with a bad game”.

“You have highs and lows in your life and in football. He knows how to deal with it”. pic.twitter.com/uaZRgHDTbb

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 13, 2024

He said:  “I definitely need him, for sure. 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.”

United have a trip to St Mary’s stadium to look forward too in GW4 of the Premier League and anything other than three points will put huge pressure on ten Hag – but the Red Devils are favourites according to to UK betting sites.

The Dutchman will have a big decision to make as Ugarte has caught up to speed and is available for selection after just a week of training with the team.