Erik ten Hag responds to burn out fears surrounding Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes
Erik ten Hag says he is not worried about Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes suffering from burn-out and insists they can handle playing every game.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has started 21 of Manchester United's last 24 games in all competitions, while playmaker Fernandes has started all 24. With Christian Eriken out injured for at least three months, Ten Hag cannot afford to leave out Casemiro or Fernandes, despite signing midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on loan.
Asked about the potential for Casemiro and Fernandes to suffer burn-out because of fixture overload, Ten Hag said: “It is for every player – and Bruno is also playing every game.
“But those players are capable of it and that's why they are so good. You can always rely on them as a club and that's why they've won so many trophies. When Casemiro was at Real Madrid, I also think he played so many games.”
Asked whether an injury to Casemiro could wreck United's season, Ten Hag said: “He's important, but in top football there's a risk and we know that.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
“We know players get injured and you can't avoid it. Of course, if you want to be successful in the season, you need your key players on board and that's definitely the truth. I don't think it's possible to have two Casemiros or two Christian Eriksens.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are integral to Man Utd's success this season (Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)“I think in that part, we can be a bit deeper, but also I think we said before the season that we want to restore Manchester United, but it will take time. It will take seasons to get back the days when you can compete for everything and for the highest trophies in the world.”
Ten Hag said Marcel Sabitzer would be in the squad for Saturday's match and could make his debut following his deadline day arrival from Bayern Munich on loan.
Sabitzer has been brought in to provide cover for United's stretched midfield following long-term injuries to Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek, with Scott McTominay also sidelined at present.
Fernandes and Casemiro have started 24 and 21 times out of Man Utd's last 24 games (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)"He did only one session but you can see he's a very fit player," Ten Hag said of the 28-year-old Austrian. "I didn't have different expectations coming from Bayern Munich. In Germany their fitness is always good. I think he is ready to play."
United defender Raphael Varane announced his retirement from international football on Thursday after a France career in which he won the World Cup in 2018 and finished as a runner-up last year in Qatar.
France's loss could be United's gain if the 29-year-old is able to extend his club career. For United, I think it's good news," Ten Hag said. "Rapha achieved everything in terms of football club wise but also with his nation. It is incredible what he achieved, big respect, and I am happy he puts all his energy and experience into the team."
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