Erik ten Hag refuses to blame Casemiro absence for Manchester United draw vs Leeds United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has refused to blame the absence of Casemiro for the draw against Leeds United in the Premier League.
The Peacocks visited Old Trafford on Wednesday (8 February). After two goals from the West Yorkshire-based club, the Red Devils managed to make a comeback.
Casemiro was unavailable for selection after picking up a red card against Crystal Palace. The 30-year-old was sent off after a scuffle with Will Hughes in the 2-1 victory.
It was suggested that the Brazil international’s absence played a part in the 2-2 draw against Leeds. However, speaking to the media via Metro, Ten Hag feels United should have won regardless of not being able to count on the midfielder.
“We have a great team and it doesn’t matter who is coming in, we have to win this game with 11 or with 15 players who are available and on the pitch.”
Fred and Marcel Sabitzer started in the middle of the park against the Elland Road side. While the Austria international was decent in his first full start, the former Shakhtar Donetsk star was underwhelming.
The 29-year-old has one of his worst performances under the Dutch manager versus the Peacocks. As a result, the Red Devils were overrun by the West Yorkshire-based club in the engine room.
Casemiro has been brilliant for the Old Trafford side since his arrival from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. The Brazilian has put in several Man of the Match performances over the course of the season.
Alongside Christian Eriksen, the 30-year-old has been exceptional for Ten Hag in the midfield. The two have been pivotal to the little success the gaffer has had in his short time in Manchester.
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Leeds were not in the best of forms coming into the fixture. Thus, United should have seemingly been able to get the result. However, it just goes to show the importance Casemiro has in the team and the evident lack of quality options we have on the bench.
