'Definitely need him...' - Erik Ten Hag clarifies Casemiro's position at Manchester United

Despite investing 50 million euros in Manuel Ugarte to replace him, Erik ten Hag has assured Casemiro that he will still be a vital member of the team this season. Erik Ten Hag has told Casemiro that he would still need to use him despite that humiliation and the fact that Ugarte has been brought in to take his spot as United's first-choice holding midfielder. 

Shortly after Erik Ten Hag joined Manchester United in 2022, the 32-year-old star Casemiro of Real Madrid made his way to Old Trafford and had an outstanding debut. Ten Hag is depending on the midfielder as United plays Southampton in their return to action after rumours of a possible exit during the international break did not materialize. 

"[I] need him, for sure."Of course, I spoke with him about the situation, but everyone can have a bad at the office, or do you never have a bad day at the office? "He is experienced and it’s not the first time, I guess, he has dealt with a bad game and now he has to overcome this one as well." But that is normal in life. You have highs and you have lows," said Erik Ten Hag about former Real Madrid star Casemiro, as per BBC.

Manuel Ugarte is anticipated to make his Southampton debut in place of Casemiro, who had a nightmare during United's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool two weeks prior. Casemiro was responsible for Liverpool's opening two goals and was humiliated by Ten Hag when he was substituted by 20-year-old Toby Collyer at halftime. 

Casemiro is likely to lose his place to Manuel Ugarte in the Manchester United squad

The 23-year-old, Manuel Ugarte who was on United's radar all summer, left Paris St. Germain on deadline day for an initial payment of 50 million euros, with the possibility of earning 60 million euros. Ten Hag is optimistic that Uruguay international Ugarte can establish himself right away at United and provide more stability to his midfield, which has been lacking since the beginning of the campaign.