Casemiro will “bounce back” from his disastrous performance against Liverpool on Sunday, according to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
The Brazilian midfielder lost possession of the ball twice in the lead-up to Luis Diaz’s brace at Old Trafford, setting the Reds on their way to a 3-0 win.
The 32-year-old, who was replaced at halftime by Toby Collyer, looked a shell of the once dominant midfield presence that won five Champions Leagues with Real Madrid before joining Man Utd in 2022.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Ten Hag explained why he took the decision to take Casemiro out of the game. “It is what the team needed,” he said.
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“You know when you are 2-0 down against Liverpool you have to take more risks, it will be open. When you are losing you have to take more risks.
“I have to give compliments to the team. You have to keep fighting and sticking together.”
Asked if Casemiro is still able to play at the highest level, Ten Hag responded: “He improved and has shown so often that he is a great character.
“We all have seen great moments from him and him be decisive in midfield. He will show that again and will bounce back.”
The Dutchman refuted suggestions that his side are suffering from the same problems that plagued the team last season, when they finished eighth in the Premier League .
“I don’t think you are right,” he asserted. “You can see the xG (expected goals), we didn’t concede as many goals. I don’t think we are in the same pattern.
“It was sometimes open and we took risks. But I don’t want to talk about this after a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool. Well done Liverpool. We have to be humble and take it.
“There are many games to play and I know where we will be at the end of the season. We will go for trophies. That will stand.”
The result leaves United 14th in the table with just three points after three games.
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