Erik ten Hag explains why Casemiro has struggled for Manchester United this season

Erik ten Hag is confident Casemiro will return to his best at Manchester United and believes his injury problems are to blame for his recent drop in form.

The Brazilian midfielder was one of United’s best players following his £70 million move from Real Madrid in 2022, but has seen his performance level drop this season.

Casemiro was heavily criticised for his poor defensive positioning in United’s draw with Bournemouth last weekend, something which has been a reoccurring theme throughout the campaign.

Ten Hag still has faith in the 32-year-old and believes that a key reason for his recent drop in form has been due to the bad injury he suffered in October last year that led him to miss 17 matches for the side.

“I think we needed the six when I arrived here and last season. Casemiro was fantastic,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday. “I don't think he ever scored so many goals as well but as a six, a holding midfielder, a strategist, he was so important for the team.

“This season he struggled with a bad injury he never had in his career. But he always win in his career, everywhere he was, there will be success. I trust he will give his success and I know he will need games, he will be better and I'm very confident about him, he is a fighter, why he also won big trophies and he's a very important player.”