Erik ten Hag has clarified that Casemiro did not leave Old Trafford immediately after being substituted at halftime during Manchester United’s defeat to Liverpool.
United suffered a 3-0 loss at home on Sunday, marking their second defeat in the first three Premier League games of the season.
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Casemiro was heavily blamed for Liverpool’s first two goals, both scored by Luis Diaz, and was replaced by 20-year-old Toby Collyer at halftime.
Later, footage surfaced that seemed to show the defensive midfielder departing Old Trafford while the match was still in progress.
However, Ten Hag denied that this was the case, saying post-match: ‘I met him in the dressing room after the game, so he didn’t leave the stadium at half-time.’
Explaining the sub, he said: ‘It is what the team needed. 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 how the 32-year-old midfielder reacted to the sub, the manager added: ‘You know the game and he knows the game. He will go on and we will go on.
‘He’s a great player. We will continue this season to improve the team and the players.
‘He improved and has shown so often that he is a great character. He has won everything in his career.
‘We all have seen great moments from him and him be decisive in midfield. He will show that again and will bounce back.’
It was a poor display from United with their midfield of Casemiro and Mainoo overrun by Liverpool’s attack from kick-off, though Bruno Fernandes said there would be no pointing of fingers in the dressing room.
‘What’s the point in saying Casemiro lost the ball or Kobbie lost the ball?’ the United captain said.
‘They lost the ball because they wanted to be brave. It’s part of football. Don’t make it individual.
‘Casemiro is more experienced than me. I don’t need to tell him anything, he knows what football is about. He’s played for the two best clubs in the world.
‘Kobbie is an excellent kid. I want him to try more and do this because it’s part of his game. They are huge players for us and will keep being.’
