Erik ten Hag Defends Midfield Trio Despite Unconvincing Start - names two weak areas

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended his midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Casemiro despite their unconvincing start to the season.

The Red Devils have won just one of their opening two games, and critics have said that Ten Hag's decision to play Mount and Fernandes in advanced roles has left too much defensive work for Casemiro.

However, Ten Hag has insisted that the midfield is not to blame for United's problems, and that the issues lie at the back and the front.

"You always have to analyse clinically and that assessment isn't right," Ten Hag said. "It was about the back and the front. That is why we were so open. Nothing to do with the midfield."

Ten Hag also dismissed concerns about Casemiro's fitness, saying that the Brazilian midfielder is "fully fit".

United face Nottingham Forest on Saturday without injured Mount and Luke Shaw. Rasmus Hojlund won't be available too.

It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag's midfield can find its footing in the coming weeks, but the manager is confident that they can do it.

"I don't have any doubts (the midfielders) can do it," Ten Hag said.