Ten Hag comment makes clear Manchester United’s Casemiro problem

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Erik ten Hag’s observation after Manchester United’s loss at Newcastle really drove home Casemiro’s absence.

Manchester United lost 2-0 at Newcastle after conceding two second half goals from headers.

Newcastle were the better team from the kick-off, and Manchester United’s defensive resilience eventually wore down.

As Erik ten Hag pointed out after the game, the defence was just put under too much pressure.

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Ten Hag explains Casemiro problem

Casemiro has been huge for Manchester United since his £60 million summer move from Real Madrid.

The match at Newcastle was the second of a four-match domestic ban he is serving after his red card against Southampton.

He has fixed the club’s long-standing defensive midfield problem, but without him, the team just don’t look the same.

Erik ten Hag did not even have to mention Casemiro’s name in his post-match interview to underline the issue created when he is not there.

The manager told the club media: “We didn’t enter the final third, the box, too many times of the opponent, but they could easily enter our box. We have to do much better.”

Newcastle’s constant barrage of Manchester United’s eventually paid off. They had 22 shots compared to six from the Red Devils.

Casemiro’s ability to drive the team forward can be just as effective as his ability to shield the defence.

This season in addition to scoring five goals, he has provided six assists.

When you take this kind of ability out the team and do not replace it, then Manchester United are considerably worse off.

United have lost four of eight games without Casemiro, compared to three of 19 when he has played.

The next two games without Casemiro could continue to be a struggle. Brentford and Everton will be awkward opponents, but neither are as strong as Newcastle, and Manchester United have home advantage.

Whatever happens in those games, Erik ten Hag’s comments really drive home the fact that Manchester United need to sign a quality back-up to Casemiro this summer.