Erik ten Hag showed his determination when he replaced Casemiro right at half-time in the 0-3 loss to Liverpool in round 3 of the Premier League. In both goals conceded by Man United in the first 45 minutes, the Brazilian midfielder was at fault. The Dutch strategist boldly sent 20-year-old player Toby Collyer onto the field.
The performance against Liverpool was truly a memory to forget for Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid. As for Ten Hag, after two consecutive defeats in the Premier League, he must continue to show his ruthlessness. If he cannot beat Southampton in the next round, the pressure will be on the former Ajax "captain".
United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League away games against Southampton, putting further pressure on Ten Hag to avoid defeat if he is to avoid ending his tenure at Old Trafford.
Both the Red Devils and Ten Hag need to learn a lesson from their defeat to Liverpool. Obviously, players who have lost form like Casemiro should not start in the first place, at least not now.
Manuel Ugarte - Man United's summer signing - played for Uruguay at FIFA Days in September. The £50m signing is ready to make his United debut after witnessing the humiliating defeat to Liverpool.
However, Ten Hag believes it could take weeks or even months for Ugarte to get up to speed in the Premier League, and he has not been given enough time, despite the clear backing of the club's board.
"We have to get Manuel Ugarte into the team. But it will take time, I'm not Harry Potter. That's something you have to admit. If you look at Manuel Ugarte, he hasn't played so far this season. Not a single minute.
I am sure he will contribute to our level and will be an important player. However, that will take a few weeks, maybe even a few months," said Ten Hag.
The dilemma facing Ten Hag is that he cannot risk starting Casemiro against Southampton. If that happens, especially if Casemiro makes another mistake, Ten Hag will have no excuse. Although the United board have repeatedly stated that they will be patient with Ten Hag, that must be accompanied by improvement.
That is why the starting lineup against Southampton could decide Ten Hag's future. Whether Casemiro or Ugarte starts, Man United's ultimate goal is still 3 points.
