By Katie Catherall
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refused to dig out Casemiro for his costly error in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Arsenal, but stressed that not having a consistent backline has cost his side all season.
Pressure is mounting on both Ten Hag and his Red Devils squad after recording yet another loss, leaving them on the verge of missing out on a place in Europe. Their defeat to Arsenal came less than a week after a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Ten Hag has been forced to deal with regular injuries and yet again had to deploy a makeshift squad for the visit of Arsenal, missing both Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford despite being in contention to play earlier in the week.
United's starting backline consisted of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, the last of which was at fault for Leandro Trossard's goal having played Kai Havertz massively onside during the build up.
The Dutchman was quick to defend Casemiro but elaborated that such an error is more likely when not able to consistently call upon the same group of defenders.
"It's small detail, one layer makes a mistake and it opens up. Before that in possession we could have done better in better positions and better options. It's details," Ten Hag said to BBC Sport.
He added: "We've talked all season about this. To have a backline who play together regularly and have routines is obviously better.
"You need players who have confidence to play there, we have players playing in positions who are not used to them and then you make mistakes.
"At a high level you are punished. Or you have to play players who are not fit. That's the situation we are in. It's still disappointing. I want to win, it doesn't matter who we face on the pitch. We have to win every game and give everything."
READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Erik ten Hag reveals thoughts on Casemiro error that led to Arsenal winner.
