to former assistant coach Rene Meulensteen, defender Raphael Varane and midfielder Casemiro are responsible for Man Utd’s decline this season.
“Ten Hag wants Man Utd to pressure with high intensity, like at Ajax, but doesn’t have the right players,” Meulensteen said on ESPN on October 10. “Casemiro is an example. He can’t do that.”
According to the former assistant coach at Man Utd from 2007 to 2013, because the midfield cannot apply pressure, the defense is in big trouble. Among them, midfielder Raphael Varane’s slow handling is becoming a problem. “Varane does not meet the speed,” Meulensteen added. “The Premier League is very dynamic and everything happens at 100 km/h.”
Onana and Casemiro were disappointed after losing in the Man Utd – Brentford match on October 7. Photo: EPA
Meulensteen also advised Man Utd fans to be patient with Ten Hag. He believes that his fellow Dutch coach has not completed the process of building a suitable squad, so the recent results can be completely explained.
In the 2022-2023 season, in his first year leading Man Utd, Ten Hag brought Man Utd back to the Top 4 of the Premier League, won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final. The Federation Cup is the first title for the “Red Devils” since 2017. However, in the 2023-2024 season, they suddenly declined. Ten Hag’s team lost six of 11 matches in all competitions, including four Premier League matches and two Champions League group stage matches.
Man Utd declined even after spending more than $200 million in the summer transfer window. To prepare for the 2023-2024 season, they recruited Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Altay Bayindir, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat. But aside from Hojlund proving himself, the remaining rookies are slow to integrate. Goalkeeper Onana even made a mistake leading to two defeats against Bayern and Galatasaray.
In the early part of the season, injuries were also a big problem for Man Utd. Central defender Lisandro Martinez must rest until early 2024, due to a recurring foot injury. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon are also out due to various injuries.
According to the Daily Mail , Man Utd’s leadership still trusts Ten Hag. They were impressed with the way the Dutch coach revived the team last season, and said that the current difficulties are only temporary. Ten Hag certainly won’t have to leave in the near future.
Varane and Casemiro joined Man Utd after parting ways with Real. However, they are past their prime, winning four and five Champions Leagues with the Spanish side. Casemiro will turn 32 in February 2024, and Varane turns 31 in April.
In the 2-1 win over Brentford in round 8 of the Premier League on October 7, Ten Hag withdrew Casemiro at the beginning of the second half. After the match, he explained that Casemiro was ineffective in applying pressure. Not only that, the Brazilian midfielder also made a mistake leading to a goal.