'He made a mistake' - Ex-Super Eagles star faults Ten Hag's decision not to start Casemiro v Man City
Published: October 03, 2022
Former African Footballer of The Year award winner Victor Ikpeba has decried the decision of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag not to start Brazilian midfielder Casemiro in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Manchester City were rampant and defeated their city rivals 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium.
Ikpeba who was crowned Africa's best player by the Confederation of Africa Football in 1997 expressed his thoughts on Nigeria's version of Monday Night Football on Supersport as the crew analysed the weekend's games in the English Premier League.
"It's about the manager having the upper hand against an opposition manager. Pep (Guardiola) was smart," the 'Prince of Monaco' began.
"He (Guardiola) dropped Aymeric Laporte, there was no Ruben Dias and Rodri (through injuries). He wanted younger and quicker players. He started with (Nathan) Ake and (Manuel) Akanji.
"For me personally, I don't know why Erik ten Hag is not playing Casemiro. You cannot have that quality with what he has achieved and not put him in the middle of the park, in front of the Manchester United defence," Ikpeba stated.
Speaking further on the Dutch coach's decision, Ikpeba enumerated the qualities that stands the former Real Madrid star out.
"Even though we think that they (United) might lose eventually but you you have someone that can hold the ball, that has a lot of intelligence in his play, very good defensively and can go upfront and score goals. Casemiro has a lot of creativity in his game.
"Why not play him together with Scott McTominay and Eriksen? I don't know why he had to start Eriksen instead of Casemiro.
"Ten Hag knows that Eriksen cannot defend. He cannot play against the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva.
These players (in reference to the City's creative players) are so good playing together in the middle of the pack and you will struggle.
"I think Ten Hag made a mistake. I still don't understand why Casemiro hasn't started a game for United" Ikpeba concluded.
United’s next five Premier League matches read: Everton, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, West Ham United.
Izuchukwu Michael
Photo Credit : manutd.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Genoa wing-back agrees Atalanta move, becomes Nigeria's joint most expensive 17yo in history
- 'My father called without telling me' - Osayi-Samuel pleads for second chance with Besiktas
- VIP touch: Onuachu set for hero's return as Trabzonspor deploy private jet for striker and family
- Official: Promising Nigerian striker signs new deal with Burnley after leaving Stoke City
- Real Betis midfield overhaul: Leicester City ace Ndidi on the radar of La Liga club
- Stevenage join race for Crystal Palace striker who trained with Flying Eagles in 2023
- Super Eagles' saviour in friendly against Russia attracting interest from Fulham
- Super Eagles forward Chukwueze to hold showdown talks with Allegri over AC Milan future
- Chelsea, Galatasaray or Al-Hilal? Ex-Galatasaray TV reporter predicts Osimhen's next club
- Final day: Three Nigerians leave Arsenal after spending a combined 26 years at the club


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88