Manchester United star was unhappy with Erik ten Hag’s tactics last season

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was left unimpressed with Erik ten Hag’s tactics last season.

The five-times Champions League winner once again found himself under scrutiny over the weekend, as his mistakes played a big part in two of Liverpool’s three goals at Old Trafford.

Casemiro gave away the possession with a weak pass for the first goal and was shrugged off by Luis Diaz minutes later for the second goal just before half-time.

Erik ten Hag hooked off the Brazilian at the break, replacing him with 20-year-old Toby Collyer.

Manchester United manager’s tactics under the spotlight

After the full-time whistle, many fans and pundits alike pointed out that while Casemiro should’ve done better, it was the Dutch tactician’s questionable tactics that put him in that situation in the first place.

Ten Hag’s direct approach demands his players to move higher up the pitch quickly through more vertical passes. This not only increases United’s chances of losing possession more often but also frequently leaves his defensive midfielder in an isolated situation.

The former Real Madrid man has never been the most reliable passer of the ball, and at 32, he doesn’t have legs to cover the ground of the possession.

According to Andy Mitten, Casemiro wasn’t best pleased with the Dutchman’s tactics last season. Speaking on Talk of The Devils podcast, Mitten revealed: “He wasn’t happy with the tactics Manchester United were using because he felt that they didn’t play to his strengths, but exposed his weaknesses where he had to cover more ground.”

When the ex-Ajax boss sanctioned Casemiro‘s big-money signing he knew what he was getting. As such, it is surprising he continues to implement tactics that frequently leave the defensive midfielder in vulnerable situations.

The start of the new season suggests Ten Hag is unlikely to change his style of play. Perhaps, the arrival of Manuel Ugarte would help him realise his vision on the pitch.