Man United drop Casemiro after Liverpool nightmare, surprise starting 11 place for Christian Eriksen

Casemiro has been dropped to the bench for Manchester United’s crunch Premier League clash at Southampton but fans are still unsure about Erik ten Hag’s midfield line-up.

Five-time UEFA Champions League winner Casemiro endured a nightmare outing in United’s previous match against Liverpool as he was culpable for both of the Merseysiders’s first-half goals at Old Trafford. Arne Slot’s men eventually ran out 3-0 winners.

Youngster Toby Collyer was thrown in for a Premier League debut in place of the Brazilian, while United also have new signing Manuel Ugarte available at St Mary’s.

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However, Casemiro’s fellow veteran Christian Eriksen got the nod to start alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in the midfield three.

Danish playmaker Eriksen was an unused substitute for the Red Devils’ first two Premier League matches before making a four-minute cameo during the closing stages of the Liverpool defeat.

“He earnt it. He had a very good pre-season; training, very good performances. He earnt a start," Erik ten Hag told TNT Sport when discussing Eriksen's selection.

“There is competition. Manuel, we have to integrate him in the team. He had just two sessions, not even full sessions with us. We have to integrate him now and that takes some time.”

United also lost their previous away game, 2-1 at the death against Brighton, but they are still three points better off than Southampton, who have been defeated in each of their first three matches on their Premier League return.

Man United starting 11 at Southampton (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot — Eriksen, Mainoo — Amad, Fernandes, Rashford— Zirkzee.