– He is ready for this role

In the second part of Friday’s press conference with Erik ten Hag, the defensive midfield became a topic.

Against Wolves in the opening game, there was plenty of space around Casemiro in midfield, but Ten Hag disagreed with the journalist, who thought the Brazilian was too isolated.

– First of all, I haven’t seen him. I think it was Luke Shaw around, there were cases with Martinez, he had Mason Mount.

However, Ten Hag is clear that United were not good enough with the ball in that match.

– It’s definitely a new midfield and we have to improve there and improve there.

– With the ball we weren’t really good. It’s about rules and principles, we didn’t follow them when we had the ball, and then you don’t get a good game. And when players make a lot of light personal fouls, it’s well below our standards.

– It could happen, but YI already saw in pre-season that they can do a lot better, and last season of course, they can do a lot better. So I am sure they will improve quickly.

Despite the poor performance against Wolves, there should be no doubt that Casemiro will also start against Tottenham.

Because are there really any other alternatives to the defensive midfield role?

Among others, Ten Hag has been asked if Scott McTominay could be a potential in defensive midfield – at least if Casemiro is injured or suspended.

– He played there last year, so he’s able to do that, Ten Hag says, before turning his attention to someone else.

– I know he’s not there yet, but Kobe Maeno…we saw him against Arsenal. He is also ready to take on the role.

At the moment, Mainoo is out with injury, and Ten Hag won’t say exactly when the 18-year-old will return, although he did mention one and two months.

However, the Dutchman expresses great faith in the young man.

– At the moment it is not available, but I also think that if let’s say 1-2 months … not 1 month, but 2 months, then it will be available.

– When winter comes, he will definitely have his matches.