Against Liverpool, Manchester United are reminded of their weak pre-season. Coach Erik ten Hag sees it differently – and defends the faltering Casemiro against flight rumors
It certainly wasn’t pleasant when Erik ten Hag had to listen to a gloomy description of the state of his team in public. On the other hand, he had asked for it himself.
In the 3-0 home defeat against arch-rivals Liverpool FC on Sunday, the performance of the Manchester United professionals was reminiscent in some parts of the weak previous season, when the record champions only finished eighth for the first time. When ten Hag was asked at the press conference afterwards whether this was down to the players or the coach, he asked for an explanation. And then the journalist gave a short lecture on poor build-up play, poor rest defense and many chances for the top opponents at Old Trafford.
“Are you sure?” asked ten Hag. “Absolutely sure,” replied the journalist. Well, he didn’t think so, the Dutchman disagreed. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be winning titles against big opponents. That’s why I’m sorry for you,” he said twice, referring to the FA Cup triumph against Manchester City in May.
In any case, the top match showed that Man United still seem to need much more time after the squad changes than Liverpool after the change of manager. And that ten Hag has to publicly defend himself again after just three matchdays – with only three points – although he didn’t actually want to “talk about the positives” after the game
“I’m not Harry Potter, you just have to understand that ”
He also spoke about Casemiro, who had conceded both goals before the break and was substituted at half-time. Afterwards, a video allegedly showing the 32-year-old Brazilian leaving the stadium during the break also circulated. The club denied this, as did ten Hag: “He didn’t leave during the break. I saw him in the dressing room after the game.” Casemiro had won everything and would continue to make a valuable contribution.
Nevertheless, his performance showed why Man United had signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain at the last moment, although he was not yet eligible to play against Liverpool. Will everything be better with the Uruguayan? “It will take time, I’m not Harry Potter. You just have to understand that,” ten Hag reiterated. “He hasn’t played a minute yet this season. He has to build up his fitness, then we have to integrate him into the team.” Ugarte will become an important player. “But that will take a few weeks, maybe even months. “
