Erik ten Hag hopes £42.2 million Red Devil will be the missing piece – opinion

Stretty News

·12 September 2024

Erik ten Hag hopes £42.2 million Red Devil will be the missing piece – opinion

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be hoping Manuel Ugarte can be the key to unlocking his Manchester United side.

It has been a disappointing start to the season with midfield and defensive issues re-emerging from last campaign.

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Last season the Red Devils finished 8th with a negative goal difference with the issues put down to injury issues plaguing the United squad.

However, in the opening three fixtures of the new Premier League campaign similar defensive patterns have emerged.

Ten Hag’s side looks too open through the spine of the team with Casemiro struggling to cover the ground in midfield.

Manuel Ugarte will be key to Ten Hag’s Manchester United system

Manchester United are set to face Southampton at Saint Mary’s on Saturday in the first game back after the international break.

In his post-match press conference after the Liverpool defeat, Ten Hag notioned that Manuel Ugarte may take a while to be integrated into the United team due to fitness concerns.

However, the new Red Devil featured in both Uruguay fixtures during the international break.

With midfield issues and Casemiro struggling against Liverpool last time out, Ten Hag may have to start Ugarte sooner than he would have liked.

It may be unfair for the new signing but there is a big expectation that Ugarte will make a big difference in midfield with his ability to cover ground and turn over the ball.

The former Ajax boss’ system has been questioned with the defensive weaknesses easily highlighted by Liverpool boss Arne Slot in the derby.

It remains to be seen if the Dutch coach tweaks his tactical system at Old Tarfford or if he believes Ugarte is the missing piece he was looking for in his midfield.

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Erik ten Hag hopes £42.2 million Red Devil will be the missing piece – opinion | OneFootball