Rio Ferdinand criticized Erik ten Hag for continuously using Casemiro at centre-back, despite his evident discomfort in the position. This decision was highlighted during Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, where Casemiro’s lack of experience in defence was exposed, leading to the winning goal. With injuries to key defenders, including Varane, Martinez, Maguire, and Lindelof, Ferdinand believes Ten Hag should find a new strategy to move Casemiro back into midfield.
Ferdinand questioned the decision to persist with Casemiro in defence, suggesting that players like Ambrabat or Scott McTominay could be better options. He emphasized the importance of recognizing early mistakes and making changes to prevent further errors. The former England captain proposed utilizing Wan-Bissaka at centre-back and shifting Amrabat to right-back. Ferdinand criticized the team’s coaching and highlighted the need for a more structured approach. He also mentioned United academy defender Willy Kambwala as a potential option that was overlooked against Arsenal.
Ten Hag defended his choice to play Casemiro in defence by stating that he had limited options due to Kambwala’s lack of fitness. When asked about McTominay’s potential in defence, Ten Hag expressed reservations based on his previous performances in that position. Despite criticism, Ten Hag stuck by his decision and explained the challenges he faced in fielding a makeshift backline. This led to questions about his tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to changing circumstances during games. Some fans were left puzzled by the omission of Kambwala from the starting lineup.
Ferdinand’s suggestions for alternative options at centre-back were met with skepticism from Ten Hag, who cited reasons for not using certain players in different positions. The discussion highlighted a disconnect between the former player’s perspective and the current manager’s decision-making process. The debate around Casemiro’s role in the team and the handling of defensive issues revealed deeper concerns about United’s tactical approach and preparation. The exchange between Ferdinand and Ten Hag underscored the challenges faced by the club in finding effective solutions to their defensive problems amidst an injury crisis.
Ultimately, the disagreement between Ferdinand and Ten Hag reflected broader issues within Manchester United’s defensive setup and strategic planning. The debate around Casemiro’s deployment raised questions about player suitability, coaching decisions, and the overall direction of the team under Ten Hag’s leadership. With ongoing defensive struggles and a need for tactical adjustments, the club faces a crucial period in addressing these issues to remain competitive in domestic and European competitions. Ferdinand’s critique and Ten Hag’s responses shed light on the complexities of managing a top-tier football team and the importance of finding the right balance between individual talents and team coherence.
