Erik ten Hag dismisses rumours of Casemiro's half time exit in Liverpool loss

09-02-2024
2 min read
Getty Images

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has rejected rumours of Casemiro storming out of Old Trafford during their weekend Premier League defeat to Liverpool.

Arne Slot's side stormed to victory in Manchester with a dominant performance from the away side only sharpening the focus on teen Hag and his players.

The Dutchman was keen to play down crisis talk in his post match interview with Casemiro a key topic on the agenda.

MORE: All the latest Man Utd news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

With the Brazilian culpable for Liverpool's first two goals, some sections of the home support targeted him on his way off the pitch at half time and ten Hag eventually substituted him.

Ten Hag's call to haul Casemiro off after 45 minutes, to be replaced by academy graduate Tom Collyer was a bold move, but the United chief denying rumours the decision triggered a stormy mid-game exit from the player.

"I met him after the game in the dressing room, so he didn't leave the stadium at half-time", he said at full time.

"Why I subbed him was because we are 2-0 down against an opponent like Liverpool, with their qualities, they are very good.

"He's a great character and won everything in his career that you can imagine. I'm sure he will keep contributing to our team and Casemiro is always winning so he will be there."

The international break will give ten Hag time to take stock of the situation, after two defeats in their opening three games of the EPL season, with the Red Devils back in action against Southampton on September 14.