Erik ten Hag denies rumours Casemiro left Old Trafford at half time of Manchester United’s defeat to Liverpool
Erik ten Hag denied rumours Casemiro left at half time of Manchester United's defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were thumped 3-0 at home by their rivals, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah firing the Reds to victory.
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It was a poor performance across the board for Man United, but focus was turned to veteran midfielder Casemiro.
The Brazilian was taken off for Premier League debutante Toby Collyer at half time after errors by Casemiro led to Liverpool and Diaz's two goals in the first half.
There were then claims that Casemiro left Old Trafford at half time after being substituted.
However, Ten Hag insists this was not the case.
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He told talkSPORT: "That is not true. He was in the dressing room.
"I just met him."
Casemiro signed for Man United from Real Madrid for £70million two years ago.
He quickly became a fan favourite, and was badly missed when ruled out of games due to suspension.
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Now 32, the midfielder has been unable to put in the performances he did earlier in his career when he won five Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles.
His wife, Anna Mariana, appeared to hit back at critics with a cryptic Instagram post.
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She posted a picture of all of his trophies and accolades.
The Red Devils signed Manuel Ugarte for an initial £42m from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
The midfielder was given a warm reception whilst being paraded in front of the Man United fans before their loss to Liverpool.
And it's likely he will soon come in for Casemiro should the Brazilian continue to struggle.
So many of the issues that have plagued United not only this season but last were on show again as they too easily conceded possession, with Liverpool enjoying huge amounts of space in midfield.
But Ten Hag disagreed with the question when he was asked why his players keep making the same mistakes.
"I don't think so," he said. "Otherwise you wouldn't win trophies as we would or beat big opponents. I am sorry for you. I have another vision...I think we won after City the most trophies in English football so I am sorry for you."
"We have to build him in the team, it will take time," Ten Hag said of Ugarte.
"It is not like I'm Harry Potter, that is what you have to acknowledge. If you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn't play so far in the season, not one match minute.
"We have to build his fitness, we will have to build him into the team, and then I am sure he will be an important player."
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