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August 2, 2024

Erik ten Hag Addresses Casemiro’s Omission Following Manchester United’s FA Cup Final – EPL

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Erik ten Hag affirms that Casemiro remains an “important player” for Manchester United despite leaving the midfielder out of the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May.

The 32-year-old, one of Manchester United’s top earners at £365,000 per week, endured significant criticism for his performances during the closing weeks of last season. As the season progressed, fans and pundits expressed their concerns about his form, highlighting a noticeable decline in his impact on the pitch. Given his substantial salary and reputation, expectations were high, making the scrutiny even more intense. This period of criticism raised questions about his future contributions to the team and sparked discussions about whether he could regain his previous form. Despite the challenges, his experience and talent still offer the potential for a turnaround as the new season approaches.

After a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher strongly advised the Brazilian to “call it a day and move on” following an abysmal performance at Selhurst Park. Carragher’s comments reflected a broader sentiment among fans and analysts alarmed by the player’s lack of impact during the match. This shambolic display raised questions about the Brazilian’s current form and fitness level, prompting discussions about whether he should consider retirement or a transfer to reinvigorate his career. Given the player’s talent and past achievements, Carragher emphasized that it would be best to seek a fresh start, potentially allowing him to rediscover his form in a new environment. The defeat underscored the need for introspection as the team looks to improve moving forward.

For Manchester United’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, Casemiro was initially included in the starting lineup by Erik ten Hag. However, shortly before kickoff, he had to withdraw due to an unexpected hamstring issue. This last-minute decision highlighted concerns about the midfielder’s fitness and left the team scrambling to adjust their tactics without one of their key players. Casemiro’s absence was felt acutely on the pitch, as his defensive skills and experience are crucial in high-stakes matches. The situation served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where injuries can dramatically alter game plans and impact a team’s performance in crucial moments. As the squad moves forward, questions about Casemiro’s fitness will be paramount as they aim for future success.

United ultimately clinched a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, which many believe was pivotal in ensuring Erik ten Hag’s tenure continued. This triumph not only secured the prestigious trophy for the club but also served as a significant morale boost for the team and its supporters. With speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future and discussions about his management style gaining traction, the win provided much-needed validation of his strategies and approach. It reinforced the belief that he could guide United back to prominence, especially against their fierce rivals. The success in the FA Cup final helped to quell doubts and set a positive tone for the upcoming season, giving fans hope for a resurgence as they aim for further silverware.

Discussing Casemiro’s absence for the trip to Wembley, Ten Hag stated, 

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

‘But he is a very important player. He is a leader and he can make a difference for our team.

‘No one can play every game. It’s impossible.’

Casemiro has been strongly linked with a transfer to the Saudi Pro League, yet he has joined United’s squad for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Asked if he expects Casemiro to stay at Old Trafford, Ten Hag replied: ‘All the players who are there, if they want to play for us and have the quality, then I hope they keep contributing to our team.

‘We have seen that Casemiro in his career is so successful.

‘In the previous season he was so important to achieve all the success we had there. So when he is on this level, he is a very impactful player for us.’