Erik ten Hag addresses Manuel Ugarte debut chances following bold midfield call

Erik ten Hag has addressed the chances of Manuel Ugarte making his debut for Manchester United, with the new signing on the bench against Southampton.

Manchester United are gearing up for their clash with Southampton, as Erik ten Hag aims to revitalize his team in the Premier League.

The Dutch manager has opted to start Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen in place of Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro for the trip to the south coast on Saturday afternoon. Starting Eriksen has been labelled a bold call by the manager.

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New signing Manuel Ugarte is also set for a potential debut, with the midfielder named on the bench for the first time since his £42 million transfer from Paris St. Germain was finalised at the end of August.

Speaking ahead of the Southampton tie, Ten Hag addressed the chances of the Uruguayan international’s potential debut on Saturday afternoon.

“I can’t say; it depends on the game and how it is going,” he admitted to TNT Sports before kick-off. “He’s had two sessions and not even full sessions. He doesn’t know everyone and needs time to integrate.

“We hope to integrate him as soon as possible, but whether it will be today, I can’t say.

Speaking further on the two changes he made, Ten Hag was full of praise for Eriksen and Diallo.

“Both deserved to play. Amad is in good form. Christian Eriksen had a good pre-season and good performances in training. He has earned his place and now he has to prove, but everyone has to prove.”

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