Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained why new signing Casemiro was not selected in the side's starting line-up against Southampton on August 27.
The Brazilian has arrived at United from Real Madrid in a £63.3 million deal, signing a four-year contract with the option of a further year.
He had trained with the Red Devils ahead of the clash with the Saints at St Mary's today but was named on the bench by Ten Hag.
The United boss has now commented on the decision to not hand Casemiro his debut from the get-go, telling MUTV (via UtdReport):
"It’s [starting XI] also to give Casemiro the time, he’s not played 90 minutes, he has to adapt to England, adapt to (United) and integrate into the team."
Casemiro is expected by many to take Scott McTominay's place in the United side for the future.
He arrives at Old Trafford with a reputation for being one of the greatest defensive midfielders in European football.
The Brazilian made 336 appearances for Madrid, scoring 31 goals and contributing 29 assists.
Manchester United fans can still expect to see the midfielder at some point in today's game given he has been named on the bench.
A win for the Red Devils takes them up to 6th in the Premier League table until the 3pm kick-offs.
Ten Hag full of praise for Manchester United new signing Casemiro
Manchester United fans are enthused by the Brazilian midfielder's arrival at Old Trafford and with good reason.
It has been years since the Red Devils have possessed a dominant, defensive midfielder of Casemiro's ilk.
Ten Hag is certainly excited to have the five-time UEFA Champions League winner in his side, saying (via manutd.com):
“He is the cement between the stones, that is what we have been looking for in the summer and found him. “[I’m] very happy with his signing.”
United are looking to continue their winning momentum having beaten Liverpool 2-1 last time out.
Ten Hag has opted to go for an unchanged side for the clash with Southampton, meaning Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire are once again benched.
Uncertainty continues to plague Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford whilst Maguire is willing to fight for his place in the Red Devils side.
All eyes will be on how Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane fare together, having impressed against Liverpool on Monday, August 22.
Paul Merson predicts the result of Chelsea vs Leicester City and every PL GW 4 fixture! Click here
Lihbdekopr
1
Cr7
zamcdilnor
0
Rotate them wisely.. Season still long way to go... By time, any of them must start..
cincdmrz
0
Ten hag did nothing special instead of potting maguire on beach!! Fun are telling that long ago
yiabemort
0
Maguire has nothing for a man United leader no sense no pace no timing nothing go now if some wrong with varane or the butcher lindelov will fill the void
yiabemort
0
Maguire must go please for free he’s no good we don’t need him why keep him and loan Eric Bailey that’s unfair with the board and coaching staff
yiabemort
0
People who noticed no maguire no problem lol thank u ten hag
AlviNashys
0
Yea next game is going to play more than 60 minutes
Yes Yes
Vaaaben
1
Do not start with Scot again. United should employ Casemiro & Eriksen in midfield. Or could be all Brazilian in Fred & Casemiro. Eriksen on LW & Sancho on RW,with Martial central. Both Rashford & Scot were a big let down from the game against Liverpool. We need further reinforcement asap. United are linked with Antony,Asensio,Depay,Gokpo,Aubameyang. I can see Ronaldo swapping with players if he leaves for either Napoli or AC Milan.Rafeal Leao or Osimhen.
Vaaaben
0
Do not start with Scot again. United should employ Casemiro & Eriksen in midfield. Or could be all Brazilian in Fred & Casemiro. Eriksen on LW & Sancho on RW,with Martial central. Both Rashford & Scot were a big let down from the game against Liverpool. We need further reinforcement asap. United are linked with Antony,Asensio,Depay,Gokpo,Aubameyang. I can see Ronaldo swapping with players if he leaves for either Napoli or AC Milan.Rafeal Leao or Osimhen.
deomodricdavid
0
Am not a Fan of them, But Man u they got what they wanted..! GGMU...! THE CEMENT BTN STONES.!
[image]
lol
Tiwdimosty
0
my problem with Manchester united is managers are not given the full powers to operate and for this reason they always need to give reasons for their decisions.
cuzdeiklru
0
Manchester United should sign more than two talented and hunger strikers. Use Anthony's exorbitant fee to buy Assensio from real Madrid, Cody Gakpo ,Aubamayang and Memphis depay to make Manchester United a hot zone and calm the angry fans
deomodricdavid
6
Am not a Fan of them, But Man u they got what they wanted..! GGMU...! THE CEMENT BTN STONES.!
ManUnited-Red
0
Yea next game is going to play more than 60 minutes
And after that he’ll be a star at cdm
Onguso
0
When Maguire isn't playing United is this team
AlviNashys
0
Next match for sure his debut 🔥🔥🔥
Yea next game is going to play more than 60 minutes
Beminru
3
Lisandro and Varane looked good again! Maguire will have a problem getting into the line up. If someone gets injured then he will probably get the call
ManUnited-Red
2
Next match for sure his debut 🔥🔥🔥
mitcilnst
0
So uefa supercup no Dey dis season eh
Madrid don win am finish against Frankfurt
zumbcdmopr
0
maguire noooooooooooooiooooooooooiiiiii
Ineznik
2
that's the man Erik Ten Hag 🙄🙄
bameimost
1
So uefa supercup no Dey dis season eh