Erik Ten Hag has opted out of Manchester United’s €80million rising star Casemiro because he didn’t want to change the winning formula.
The Brazilian star has yet to make his first Premier League start, having arrived at Old Trafford two months ago.
The 30-year-old midfielder was off the bench for half an hour on Sunday but was unable to prevent Manchester City from winning 6–3.
Casemiro is pushing for a midfield substitute for Scottish star Scott McTominay against Everton on Sunday.
The Brazilian started in last month’s Europa League match against Real Sociedad and could be in action for Thursday’s Group E game at Omonia Nicosia.
However, United’s midfield fell short at the Etihad after failing to integrate into the Premier League’s early victories over Southampton, Leicester and Arsenal.
Casemiro was introduced to the Old Trafford fans during the 2–1 win over Liverpool on 22 August.
And Ten Hag says a four-game winning streak that started that night has kept a global star on the bench ever since.
The former Ajax coach said: “From the day we signed him, we started winning and it’s for the team.
“It’s not because of Casemiro that the team is doing well, it’s because of Scott McTominay.
“But I’m sure he will be important to us both in the long term and the short term. He will find himself in the team, but it has to come naturally.”
Casemiro started for Brazil in a friendly against Ghana on 23 September and four days later against Tunisia (5–1).
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