Ten Hag sends message after Tuchel sack; addresses Casemiro dilemma and hints at big Man Utd decision

Erik ten Hag offered his sympathies to Thomas Tuchel following his Chelsea sacking, and addressed several aspects of his team selection that are coming to the fore.

Chelsea confirmed they had axed Tuchel on Wednesday morning. The German departs Stamford Bridge after a 100-match spell that produced a 60 percent win-rate.

Graham Potter is the strong early favourite to take the reins. Indeed, Brighton have already given Chelsea permission to speak with their manager.

Reaction to the Tuchel dismissal has come thick and fast. Ex-England international, Danny Mills, was left bemused by the move given Tuchel was so influential in bringing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back to England less than one week ago.

Manchester United boss Ten Hag was asked about the Tuchel sacking during his press conference on Wednesday. The Dutchman opted to keep his cards close to his chest, though did offer his sympathies and admitted it’s “early” in the season for such a drastic call.

“I feel sorry, but there is nothing I can say,” said Ten Hag (via the Manchester Evening News).

“It’s Chelsea, not Man United. It’s early in the season, yes.”

Ten Hag has turned United’s ship around after losing their opening two matches of the season.

Four wins on the bounce have followed with new boys Lisandro Martinez and Antony making immediate impacts.

Casemiro the elephant in the room

However, £70m man Casemiro has been forced into being patient thus far. Indeed, Scott McTominay is keeping the Brazilian out of the eleven at present and Casemiro is still waiting for his first start.

Many believe Casemiro will eventually take the shirt, though Ten Hag suggested those who play well will continue to feature in his team.

“You can see it like that, when the team is acting well, we have more than 11 players, then you stay in,” said Ten Hag.

“The team is improving, it’s getting better, but for the players that aren’t in the team, they can come in at any moment and maybe do better than the players that are in.

“I know that you need more than 11 players. We have a really good bench.”

Marcus Rashford looks a rejuvenated figure and was key in ending Arsenal’s five-match winning streak on Sunday.

Rashford bagged a brace and provided the assist for Antony’s goal in the 3-1 win. When asked how he’s sparked Rashford’s turnaround, the Dutchman added: “Once again, it’s difficult for me to talk about the past. What I see is a happy Marcus Rashford.

“We worked really hard the last two months with him on different aspects. He likes it, he wants to transfer it to the pitch.

“It started with happiness, he comes in every day, he enjoys it, he’s smiling, a really positive vibe, and if you put all of those things together – like the way of play – and you are happy, you will contribute more to the team.”

How much will Ten Hag rotate in Europe?

Finally, Ten Hag was asked about whether he’ll rotate heavily for the upcoming Europa League campaign.

United kick off their European adventure when hosting Real Sociedad on Thursday night. Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia complete the group which United should have little trouble navigating.

However, Ten Hag reeled back from the notion that it’ll be full-scale rotation. Indeed, the Dutchman is already fully aware every game feels like a must-win at Old Trafford.

“We have to win every game,” he continued. “[We] want to win every tournament, so we take everything seriously.

“We not only have a team, we have a squad, but we have to win every game and that is the mentality Manchester United needs.”

He continued: “Maybe I can not keep them all happy every game. But everyone gets the game time if they perform well – quite clear. As I’ve said, we need everyone, we have a lot of games to cover.”