“As a priority…” Erik ten Hag to fast-track Manchester United signing into his XI

Erik ten Hag is reportedly set to fast-track one Manchester United signing into his XI as he looks to repair damaged form this season.

Manchester United‘s form during the 2024/25 season has been disastrous, leaving them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and struggling in the Europa League after drawing their first two group-stage matches under Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch manager has faced heavy criticism for the team’s poor results, but the players haven’t escaped scrutiny either, with some receiving the bulk of the blame.

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While André Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo have earned praise for their performances, others like Lisandro Martínez, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte have been heavily criticised.

With this in mind, Ten Hag will need to make some changes to either the system he is deploying in the squad or adjust his training regime in order to help the players improve.

Ugarte’s play-time a priority

According to GiveMeSport, the Dutch manager has now chosen to accelerate Ugarte’s integration into the team and make extra focus a priority.

Ugarte’s time at the club since his £42 million signing has not been ideal. He has started just three games, appeared as a substitute in two others, and not played at all against FC Porto or Aston Villa.

However, as per the GMS report, Ten Hag has been told he must integrate Ugarte into the team as a priority despite his feeling that the Uguguayn international must be granted time to settle into life in Manchester.

Ugarte is now getting up to speed with his fitness, having played 90 minutes for Uruguay in their recent 1-0 loss against Peru.

Praised despite a loss

Despite the international loss, Ugarte was praised for his performance against Peru, where he operated as part of a back three, with El Observador handing him a glowing 8/10 rating.

They described him as “Uruguay’s best player, not only for the way he defended, for how he treated the ball but for his attitude throughout the game.

“He played as a free agent in the back three. He imposed his style of play, going out with the ball at his feet. At 22 minutes, in a dead ball near the Peruvian area, he appeared at the first post and connected with a header that went wide.

“At the end of the first half, in Uruguay’s worst moment, he lost a ball that created a dangerous situation on the sky blue goal and the same Manchester United midfielder corrected his error with a good close. From the back, he tried to lead the team forward.”

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