Casemiro's Manchester United Future in Jeopardy

Erik ten Hag believes Casemiro still has a future at Manchester United despite a challenging start to the season. However, the £50m signing of Ugarte indicates that Casemiro may no longer be the first-choice player.

Casemiro had a difficult day at Old Trafford, making errors that led to goals against Liverpool before being substituted at halftime. The arrival of Ugarte, a potential replacement, added to the pressure on Casemiro. Ten Hag acknowledged the situation, emphasizing that everyone can have a bad day at work and expressing confidence in Casemiro's experience to overcome it.

Casemiro's career trajectory has seen a decline in the last two years, leading to the acquisition of Ugarte, a younger defensive midfielder. Ten Hag explained the need for competition within the squad and the importance of having multiple options for each position. Casemiro, originally a cornerstone player, now faces a challenge to retain his position in the team.

Ugarte, known for his ability to win the ball, was identified as a suitable addition to strengthen United's midfield. With Casemiro aging and the team lacking midfield cohesion, Ugarte's role is crucial in connecting defense with attack. Ten Hag highlighted the importance of communication and guiding the team, indicating that Ugarte fits the desired profile for the team's playing style.

The tactical shift in midfield aims to address United's vulnerability to counter-attacks and defensive gaps from the previous season. Ten Hag emphasized the need for a midfielder who can fulfill the team's requirements, suggesting a different playing style from what Casemiro currently offers. The competition for playing time between Casemiro and Ugarte will be based on performance and suitability to the team's needs.