3 interceptions, 88% passing accuracy: Erik ten Hag lauds £42m Man Utd star for making a 'step forward' vs Fenerbahce
Manchester United are set to face West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Ahead of the clash, Erik ten Hag lauded Manuel Ugarte for his impressive performance in the 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “The six position is a key position in the team and he has to learn this position in our game model.
“I think today it’s a step forward, so I’m really pleased with his performance and, from here, he has to build that.
“He came late in the window and then, already, we had to integrate him during the competitions. And that takes time, you have to be patient.
“As you see, if the quality in that position is not right, it’s very difficult for a team to control games, and I don’t even speak about dominating games.
“So again, that position, it’s one who brings the quality all the time and we have to integrate them now in this team.
“And, as I said, I’m pleased with his performance today. From here on, he can build.”
Manuel Ugarte deserves starting spot against West Ham
The Uruguayan won the ball by dispossessing Fred to start the attack that led to Christian Eriksen’s goal.
He made a crunching goal-saving block to deny Dusan Tadic an easy equaliser.
Diogo Dalot understood the importance of that block and swiftly rushed over to high-five Ugarte.
The £42 million-rated star made three interceptions and lost ball possession only seven times in 90 minutes. He won all of his aerial duels and enjoyed 88% passing accuracy.
United signed Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain this summer to bolster their midfield ranks.
Casemiro’s rapid decline and departure of Sofyan Amrabat meant United were too light at the base of their midfield.
Expectations were high from Ugarte but he struggled on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur.
It was a high-intensity game for the midfielder who moved to Old Trafford without having a pre-season with the club.
We expect the 23-year-old to retain his starting spot against the Hammers. Julen Lopetegui’s men have had a tough start to the new campaign with their midfield lacking cohesion.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
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