New signing Manuel Ugarte could take months to adapt to the Premier League, coach Erik ten Hag has warned. However, if he is to avoid the sack, Ten Hag will need the Uruguayan midfielder to settle in quickly.
Casemiro's poor performance against Liverpool highlighted the Red Devils' midfield problems. Ugarte's energy, aggression and ability to compete are qualities that Ten Hag's side are lacking.
Getting Ugarte acclimated to the Premier League is a priority, but Ten Hag has little time to do so. He has returned to South America to play in Uruguay’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, his first since the 2024 Copa America in mid-July.
The bigger concern is that Ten Hag's system will leave Ugarte with the impossible task of solving his defensive problems. The defeat to Liverpool highlighted the Red Devils' problems due to their openness in transition under Ten Hag, with all of the Reds' goals coming from Man United losing possession in their own half.
Ugarte is nine years younger than Casemiro and would bring much-needed energy to the defensive midfield role. Only Joao Palhinha has averaged more tackles per 90 minutes than Ugarte in the last two seasons in major European leagues. But Ten Hag will still have to tweak the system and personnel to get the most out of Ugarte.
The Dutchman also needs to improve his attack. United have scored just two goals in their first three Premier League games, but that’s not because they lack chances. Ten Hag’s side are fifth in expected goals, but the key is their poor finishing.
The Old Trafford team missed a total of 9 big chances - the highest in the league alongside Liverpool. The difference is that the "Red Brigade" created a lot of chances.
New signing Joshua Zirkzee has squandered a number of chances since his debut goal against Fulham. However, this is a common problem for Man United, with Zirkzee one of three players, along with Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes, to have missed at least two big chances.
If United continue to be wasteful, Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford will be in jeopardy. More than ever, Ten Hag needs Rasmus Hojlund, who scored 10 league goals last season, to recover quickly and improve the team's finishing.
