Erik ten Hag Identifies New ‘Untouchable’ in Manchester United Squad After Victory Against Southampton

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly found a new ‘untouchable’ in his squad following the club’s hard-fought 2-0 victory against Southampton in the Premier League. The Dutch manager has made it clear that certain players are emerging as essential to his tactical setup and overall vision for Manchester United’s continued success this season. One such player, who delivered a standout performance in the match against Southampton, is now being considered an integral part of the team.

A New ‘Untouchable’ Emerges:
During a post-match press conference, Erik ten Hag heaped praise on Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder who has cemented his place as one of the most influential players in the squad. Casemiro’s commanding performance in the midfield against Southampton, where he demonstrated his ball-winning ability, leadership, and experience, was central to Manchester United’s success.

“Casemiro is a player we can’t do without. His experience, intelligence, and presence on the pitch are unmatched. He brings balance to the team and is essential in both defensive and attacking transitions. It’s clear as day that he is untouchable in this squad,” said Erik ten Hag.

Since his arrival from Real Madrid in 2022, Casemiro has become a pillar in Manchester United’s midfield, offering much-needed stability and consistency. His contributions, especially in crucial matches like the Southampton game, continue to reaffirm his importance to Ten Hag’s long-term plans.

Manchester United’s Win Against Southampton:
The win against Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium was a statement of intent for Manchester United as they continue their push for a top-four finish. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes secured the three points, but it was the team’s overall balance and discipline, led by Casemiro, that impressed the most.

Casemiro, who operated at the base of the midfield, controlled the tempo of the game and broke up numerous Southampton attacks. His ability to read the game and disrupt the opposition’s flow was instrumental in Manchester United’s clean sheet. Additionally, his passing range and vision allowed United to transition quickly from defense to attack, creating opportunities for the likes of Fernandes and Rashford to exploit Southampton’s defense.

Erik ten Hag emphasized that Casemiro’s tactical awareness and experience were crucial in ensuring that Manchester United dominated key phases of the game. “He’s a player who understands what the team needs in every moment. Whether it’s protecting the defense or launching an attack, he’s always in the right place,” the manager added.

Bruno Fernandes’ Leadership and Consistency:
Alongside Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes also had a stellar performance against Southampton, contributing to United’s second goal with a well-placed shot from outside the box. Fernandes has long been regarded as a key figure in Manchester United’s attacking play, and his leadership on the pitch was evident once again.

However, despite Fernandes’ influence, Ten Hag made it clear that Casemiro’s role is pivotal to the team’s overall strategy. “Bruno is exceptional in his creativity and work rate, but Casemiro’s consistency in the midfield is something that gives everyone confidence. He allows players like Bruno to focus on the attacking aspects of the game while ensuring that the team remains defensively solid,” Ten Hag noted.

Erik ten Hag’s Tactical Evolution:
Since arriving at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has been known for his strict tactical demands and a no-nonsense approach when it comes to discipline and player performances. Under his guidance, several players have thrived, while others have struggled to meet his expectations. Ten Hag’s insistence on a well-organized, high-pressing team that can dominate possession has been the foundation of his managerial philosophy.

In Casemiro, Ten Hag seems to have found the perfect player to embody his vision of control and stability in midfield. While the likes of Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez have provided defensive assurance, and players like Antony and Mason Mount offer flair and creativity in attack, Casemiro has been the glue that binds the team together.

When asked about Casemiro’s influence, Ten Hag replied, “His mentality is extraordinary. He’s been playing at the top level for years and knows what it takes to win. That’s the mindset we need at Manchester United. With Casemiro in the team, we can be confident that we’re always competitive in the toughest situations.”

Casemiro’s Influence on Younger Players:
Casemiro’s leadership doesn’t just stop at his performances on the pitch. He’s become a mentor to younger players in the squad, particularly to midfielders like Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat, who are learning from the Brazilian’s vast experience at the highest level.

“Casemiro has a huge influence on the dressing room,” said Ten Hag. “He leads by example, and the younger players look up to him. It’s not just about what he does on the field but how he prepares, how he trains, and how he motivates those around him. His presence has been invaluable.”

Looking Ahead:
As Manchester United continues to fight on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, Erik ten Hag’s reliance on key players like Casemiro is becoming more apparent. The Brazilian midfielder has emerged as one of the most consistent performers for the team and will undoubtedly play a central role in United’s pursuit of silverware this season.

The next fixture for Manchester United is a crucial Champions League group stage match against Bayern Munich. When asked if Casemiro would be pivotal in that game, Ten Hag smiled and said, “You can count on it. He’s untouchable.”

Conclusion:
Erik ten Hag has made it abundantly clear that Casemiro is now one of the most indispensable players in the Manchester United squad. His ability to dominate the midfield, provide leadership, and influence the team’s overall structure has made him an ‘untouchable’ figure in the Dutch manager’s setup. As Manchester United looks ahead to the challenges of the 2024/2025 season, Casemiro’s role will be critical in guiding the team toward its goals.