“Level…” Erik ten Hag hands Manuel Ugarte major boost after first Manchester United start

Erik ten Hag has handed Manuel Ugarte a major boost following his first start for Manchester United during the club’s Carabao Cup win over Barnsley.

Manchester United achieved their largest victory margin under Erik ten Hag, dominating Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup third round.

The match began with a bang, as Marcus Rashford opened the scoring, followed by Antony winning and converting a penalty to make it 2-0. Just before the half-time whistle, Alejandro Garnacho added a third, giving United a commanding lead going into the break.

In the second half, Garnacho scored again, and Rashford sealed the fifth goal in spectacular fashion. Christian Eriksen then capped off the night with two more goals, ten and five minutes from full-time, securing an emphatic win for United.

While the goalscoring display was the big talking point after the game, another positive many have drawn is the performance of new signing Manuel Ugarte.

After signing for the club last month, the 23-year-old Uruguayan international made his first start for United, playing just over an hour of football before being withdrawn. Ugarte was fantastic in midfield, earning praise from fans and pundits alike.

Further, Ten Hag explained that he, too, thought Ugarte was “good” at Old Trafford, explaining that he will become even better once United finds their shape.

Further, the Dutch manager explained that he feels Ugarte can really strengthen his side, providing a further boost to Ugarte that he may become an integral part of Ten Hag’s plans.

“I think he was good,” Ten Hag said. “In the first minute, you have to find your position, we have to – as a team – we have to find the right shape, but once we got it, then you see his level.

“He is really… he can really strengthen the squad and the team,” he also added.

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