Erik ten Hag denies Casemiro left Old Trafford after being subbed at half-time of Manchester United’s loss to Liverpool

Casemiro did not leave Old Trafford immediately after being subbed off at half-time of Manchester United’s loss to Liverpool, Erik ten Hag has stated.

United were humiliated 3-0 at home on Sunday, meaning they have lost two of their opening three Premier League games of the season.

Casemiro was largely at fault for Liverpool’s first two goals, both scored by Luis Diaz, and was hauled off during the break, with 20-year-old Toby Collyer taking his place.

Footage later emerged appearing to show the defensive midfielder leaving Old Trafford while the game was still ongoing.

However, Ten Hag quickly denied that this was the case, saying post-match: ‘I met him in the dressing room after the game, so he didn’t leave the stadium at half-time.’

Explaining the sub, he said: ‘It is what the team needed. You know when you are 2-0 down against Liverpool you have to take more risks, it will be open.

‘When you are losing you have to take more risks. I have to give compliments to the team. You have to keep fighting and sticking together.

Asked how the 32-year-old reacted to the sub, the manager added: ‘You know the game and he knows the game. He will go on and we will go on.

‘He’s a great player. We will continue this season to improve the team and the players.

‘He improved and has shown so often that he is a great character. He has won everything in his career.

‘We all have seen great moments from him and him be decisive in midfield. He will show that again and will bounce back.’

It was a poor performance from United with their midfield of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo overrun by Liverpool’s attack from kick-off, though Bruno Fernandes said there would be no pointing of fingers in the dressing room.

‘What’s the point in saying Casemiro lost the ball or Kobbie lost the ball?’ the United captain said.

‘They lost the ball because they wanted to be brave. It’s part of football. Don’t make it individual.

‘Casemiro is more experienced than me. I don’t need to tell him anything, he knows what football is about. He’s played for the two best clubs in the world.

‘Kobbie is an excellent kid. I want him to try more and do this because it’s part of his game. They are huge players for us and will keep being.’

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