Ten Hag won’t tell Brazilian media about player’s fitness – Manchester United availability unclear

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag had a rapid chat with the Brazilian media ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash against Copenhagen.

With the Red Devils standing in a delicate position in the competition, as they’re currently bottom of Group A, the manager was asked by TNT Sports journalist Fred Caldeira whether getting knocked-out of the competition is an ‘acceptable reality’.

Ten Hag made sure to say there’s not something people at Manchester United have even been considering.

“I don’t think in such scenarios,” Erik ten Hag told TNT Sports.

“We’re confident, we have a strong belief and we go in this game, as in every game, knowing we have to win this game and then we look where we are.”

TNT Sports also asked whether Casemiro is fit again following the injury he picked up while playing for his country. Ten Hag did not confirm that, and despite claiming the midfielder is missed, he said he’s more focused on the squad he has available.

“You will always miss Casemiro when he’s not there. He’s a balanced player, he’s an organiser. In possession, his contribution is so huge, you always will miss him.

“But it’s not about the players who are missing, we miss more players, but it’s about the players who are there and they have to do the job.”

Manchester United were beaten 4-3 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League opening round, having then lost to Galatasaray 3-2 at Old Trafford. Now a home match against Copenhagen definitely seems to be the way to turn things around and stay alive in the competition.