Erik ten Hag has the perfect Casemiro replacement that will save him millions at Man Utd

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised teenage prospect Kobbie Mainoo, who is currently out of action with an ankle injury sustained in pre-season

Casemiro came in for criticism after Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Wolves (

Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes teenager Kobbie Mainoo is “ready” to star in the defensive midfield role currently occupied by Casemiro.

Casemiro made an impressive impact last season after making the move to Old Trafford from Real Madrid, but the Brazilian came in for criticism after his performance in United’s Premier League opener against Wolves on Monday.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher felt he was “too often isolated and lacked the dynamism and energy required” in that game and claimed the 31-year-old is “going to get really exposed” at some stage this season. And when that criticism was put to Ten Hag ahead of United’s game against Tottenham, the Dutchman namechecked Mainoo as a player who can help them improve in midfield when he returns from an ankle injury.

“First, I didn’t see it that way,” Ten Hag said. “I thought he [Casemiro] was surrounded by Luke Shaw, he was surrounded also in cases by Lisandro Martinez, by Mason Mount. But definitely, it is a new midfield.

“We can, we have to step up there, we have to improve. So I agree with that fact. We have to improve it. In possession, we were absolutely no good and had to do with rules and principles, we didn’t match rules and principles in our possession game, then we don’t get a good game.

“Also players make so many unforced errors, it was very below our standards in what I use for my players, in what my players are capable of. But it can happen, it’s the form of today.

Erik ten Hag has praised teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is currently out of action with an ankle injury (

Image:

Manchester United via Getty Imag) Get the United home shirt for 23/34

United’s Adidas home shirt is made up of the same colour of the city’s iconic red rose and features a black collar. The collar also features a dash of both red and white, giving it a slick and modernised look.

Prices start from £55

Kitbag

“But I have seen already in pre-season they can do much better, I have seen last year of course, they can do much better, and I am sure they will improve quickly. Of course, also last year [McTominay] played that [defensive midfield] role, so he is capable of doing it.

“But, I know he is not in this moment there, but Kobbie Mainoo, we have seen him against Arsenal, he is ready to take that role. Not at this moment available, but I think he will in two months he will be available, for winter is coming up he will absolutely have his games.” Mainoo impressed in pre-season for United, before injuring his ankle in last month’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Real Madrid.

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.