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Erik ten Hag sidestepped questions over Manchester United’s pursuit of Casemiro on Friday, with the Dutchman stating he could not comment on the matter.
Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro looks poised to make the move from La Liga to Old Trafford for a reported fee of £51million (€60m).
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed the Brazil international is set to leave and his arrival would give United a huge lift after a poor start under new boss Ten Hag.
A 4-0 Premier League rout at the hands of Brentford on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion demonstrated the Red Devils’ frailties.
Ten Hag refused to give a definitive answer when questioned about a move for Casemiro.
“I cannot tell [you] anything,” he stated ahead of his side’s home encounter with Liverpool on Monday.
As he prepares for the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s Reds – who themselves arrive on the back of a frustrating start to the season – the Dutchman says he has not deviated from his plans despite a thrashing at Brentford that leaves his side bottom of the table.
“Every game is different, but the philosophy and the plan will be the same,” he added. “I know the rivalry. We are rivals. We have to win every game, but especially this game.”
The former Ajax head coach says United must get the basics right after a shambolic display against the Bees in London.
“I think I made myself clear, I was definitely not happy,” he reflected. “You can talk about football philosophy, but the basic stuff has to be good.
“That starts with the right attitude, a fighting attitude on the pitch. I didn’t see that from minute one. You have to bring it every game. A lot went wrong.
“But you don’t have to talk about anything when the attitude is not right. It’s not difficult to motivate this team. They worked really [well] on the training pitch from the start of the season.
“It starts with yourself. Follow the rules and principles and work hard. If you do that, you will get confidence. We work from game to game.
“We know what is going on when you play against Liverpool, especially when you are Manchester United. You have to be ready.”
