Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has dropped a big hint that midfielder Manuel Ugarte may not make the starting line-up against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have registered back-to-back wins over Southampton and Barnsley since the international break. However, they face a much stiffer challenge at Selhurst Park today.
Ugarte made his full United debut in the 7-0 rout of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round, but the manager has hinted that he may not feature from the off against Palace.
Speaking in his press conference (part 2), Ten Hag said that Ugarte has been ‘very short’ in multiple training sessions and he has yet to adapt to the tactical demands at the club.
The Dutchman believes the 23-year-old will need some time to become a ‘very good’ player.
He said: “He’s a player very short in [number of] sessions, now he has a start in him. In Southampton, he came in as a sub. Yeah, still, he’s in the process that he has come into the club.
“He has to come into the team and know what is the game, what are the principles, what are the rules, and know his team-mates.
“So, especially, know with his profile what he can contribute for his team. So yeah, we are in that process and that will take some time.
“It will come, it will come in a natural way. And you can already see when he is fulfilling the process he will really be a very good player for us.”
Ugarte played 63 minutes against the Tykes in midweek. He won just four out of 12 duels, committing a couple of fouls in the process.
However, he made up for the same, winning four fouls from the opposition. The midfielder lost possession on just five occasions.
Despite this, Ten Hag could be wary of starting him against a high-pressing side in Palace.
The manager could continue with Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen in midfield, just like in the previous league win at Southampton.
Mainoo could be asked to operate from the number six position with Eriksen getting the license to create chances higher up the playing field.
Ugarte could make another appearance off the bench based on Ten Hag’s comments.
Stats from Sofascore.com
