Breaking News: Erik ten Hag faced with clear Man United statement as Manuel Ugarte pushes for debut

Manuel Ugarte, a midfielder for Manchester United, may make his Premier League debut this weekend against Southampton.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Before Manchester United’s return to Premier League action, Manuel Ugarte played an additional ninety minutes, putting any remaining questions about his fitness to rest.

Once again, against Venezuela, the defensive midfielder was a rock for his nation as they drew 0-0. Uruguay’s international break may have been short in goals, but it was strong defensively, and Ugarte had a major role in that.

Ugarte did well for the South Americans when seated in front of his center-backs. He was especially strong in duels, winning eight of twelve. The obvious advantages of the former PSG player are also United’s major disadvantages thus far this season.

Luis Diaz’s two goals in the 3-0 rout came from a weak interception and dispossession, so Casemiro did not exactly walk off a hero in the loss to Liverpool. Against the club’s toughest opponents, the Brazilian was substituted at halftime by youthful Toby Collyer.

Although Ten Hag’s confidence in the academy graduate was evident in this move, it may have been more indicative of the manager’s negative opinion of Casemiro’s performance. Ugarte has communicated with United staff members clearly twice during the international break.

It is difficult to understand how Ten Hag could defend starting the 23-year-old on the bench in favour of Casemiro when he is obviously ready to play 90 minutes at a top level. The former Real Madrid player can only maintain his spot at this point if Ugarte is still from jet lag from his return trip to the UK.