Erik ten Hag has bet Casemiro will “bounce back” after the midfielder was substituted following an error-ridden first half in Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The 32-year-old gave away possession twice in situations that directly led to goals, with Luis Diaz scoring both times to make it 2-0 to the visitors at half-time.

The Brazil international, who won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid, was replaced at the start of the second half by 20-year-old Toby Collyer, who was making his Premier League debut.

Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the match that the substitution was a tactical change as United needed to chase the game.

“When we were 2-0 down against Liverpool with their quality, we had to take risks and bounce back,” he said. “We needed a player who could cover ground.”

United’s new midfielder Manuel Ugarte was presented on the pitch before the match but could not be signed in time to make his debut against Liverpool.

When asked whether Casemiro could still play an important role for the team, Ten Hag replied: “He has shown so often that he has a great character.

“We have all seen great moments from him, decisive for us in midfield and he will show that again, I am sure. He will bounce back.”

The Dutchman later rejected suggestions that Casemiro had left the stadium after being sent off at half-time.

“I met him in the dressing room after the game so he wouldn’t leave at half-time,” said Ten Hag.

United’s defeat leaves them 14th in the table, with three points from their opening three games.

Their first game after the international break is against newly promoted Southampton, who are still waiting for their first Premier League point of the season.

GALLING DEEPER

Man Utd 0 Liverpool 3: The Casemiro issue; clinical Diaz; Ten Hag’s attacking decisions and more