Erik ten Hag clarifies his choice to bench Casemiro and Garnacho for Southampton clash with Man Utd

Casemiro had a difficult first half against Liverpool before the international break, making crucial mistakes that resulted in two goals for the opposition. As a result, he was substituted at half time, experiencing a disappointing performance on the pitch.

Ten Hag was at pains to defend the former Real Madrid star in his pre-match press conference and claimed the 32-year-old remained a fundamental part of his plans.

Despite that public backing, Ten Hag opted to ring the changes for the trip to St Mary’s with Eriksen handed a rare start having resisted the temptation to blood new signing Manuel Ugarte.

Speaking to TNT Sport, Ten Hag said: ‘We have a squad and we offer a lot of games, he will play I am convinced of this.’

On the surprise inclusion of Eriksen, he added: ‘He has had a good pre-season, in training he’s had very good performances. So, he has earned a start.’

Ugarte, meanwhile, started for Uruguay over the course of the international break but having only signed late in the transfer window has been deemed not yet ready to be thrust into the starting XI.

‘Manuel, we have to integrate into the team,’ said Ten Hag. He has only had two sessions, we have to integrate and that takes time.’

Ten Hag did make one other signficant change to his team with Garnacho dropped to the bench and Amad promoted in his place.

The Argentina international caused controversy earlier in the week when he liked a social media post citing Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticisms of Ten Hag, but beIN Sport insist that is not the reason the for the 20-year-old’s demotion.

Eyebrows were raised at Marcus Rashford being handed another vote of confidence at Garnacho’s expense but Ten Hag insists the United stalwart deserved another opportunity.

‘Not only today, but he’s in a good place and he needs a goal or an assist,’ Ten Hag said.’Last game he had very good crosses. That moment will come, we will wait for that momentum and then he will fly.

‘All strikers want to score and from my experience once a striker starts scoring they are going to fly.’