Ten Hag says he considered starting Rhys Bennett at centre-back against Burnley

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Manchester United had a dilemma at centre-back going into the game against Burnley, even before Harry Maguire was ruled unavailable through illness.

Casemiro ended up getting the nod to partner Victor Lindelof, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane still away after the World Cup.

Axel Tuanzebe is still not fit and Teden Mengi suffered an injury against Cadiz. Phil Jones is not under consideration.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has shed some light on the decision process heading into last night’s game.

READ: United Player Ratings v Burnley

Ten Hag says he considered starting Rhys Bennett

Erik ten Hag told MUTV before kick-off that he considered handing a full debut to FA Youth Cup winning captain Rhys Bennett.

Bennett impressed for United against Real Betis, earning praise from Tom Heaton, and Ten Hag revealed that the 18-year-old also impressed in a behind closed doors match with Everton last week.

Ten Hag also praised Luke Shaw for volunteering to play centre-back, stating that Casemiro’s experience eventually won the day.

He said: “We chose Case. He has played more often in this position. Luke Shaw has also offered, which is good because they want to play, they are hungry. Rhys Bennett did very well against Everton [in a friendly]. We have options, but it will be Casemiro.”

Casemiro proved his manager right, helping Manchester United keep a clean sheet and clear an effort off the line.

Ten Hag took Burnley seriously, keen to avoid an upset against the Championship leaders.

He’s clearly quite impressed with Rhys Bennett though, who was substituted after 50 minutes of the under-21 game in midweek, with an eye on this fixture.

He was on the bench last night, for the first time in a competitive game for United. Ten Hag showed at Ajax he will give youth players a chance, and has continued to do so at Old Trafford. Bennett is not far away.