by After just four weeks and three games of the season, Manchester United and Erik ten Hag already find themselves in a must-win situation ahead of a trip to Southampton on Saturday.
This is a match that requires the immediate introduction of new signing Manuel Ugarte into midfield.
After nearly losing his job in the summer, Ten Hag needed to get his season off to a good start. He hasn’t managed to do so, with two defeats in the first three games looking like a continuation of last season rather than the promise of progress that a new contract should bring.
A late defeat at Brighton was one thing, but a stinging 3-0 home loss to Liverpool was quite another, not least because of the manner in which United played.
Ten Hag’s much-criticised system was mercilessly denounced by Arne Slot, both during the 90 minutes and in a post-match interview. Casemiro was the obvious scapegoat, losing possession for the Reds’ first two goals.
The Brazilian was replaced at half-time by Toby Collyer, who made his Premier League debut in perhaps the worst possible environment.
Neither is likely to start at St. Mary’s Stadium for very different reasons: the veteran Brazilian needs a spell out of the team while the youngster is too raw to simply throw in, especially with the system issues, and alongside another youngster, Kobbie Mainoo.
Come forward, Ugarte, that seems like the best possible bandage to place on the bullet wound that is Ten Hag’s current tactical approach.
Ugarte appears to have a comparable fitness level to Fernandes, having missed just three games in his young career through injury.
The Uruguayan missed much of pre-season after the Copa America but played 169 minutes for his country during the international break. He also appears to have a fitness level comparable to Bruno Fernandes, having missed just three games in his young career due to injury.
No Premier League game is easy, especially for this manager, but a trip to a newly promoted side with just one goal and zero points so far is a more favourable place to give a new signing a chance.
Ten Hag said on Thursday: “Manuel Ugarte, you saw he played for Uruguay, he came back this afternoon – he was the only player who came back today, the others yesterday – so he is available for this match.”
Manchester United have limited scope to make massive changes to their squad with several players injured, but something must be done.
The last time United visited the south coast, Ten Hag was playing his fourth league game of his debut season, with one win and three points from his first three games, and fresh off a home win against Liverpool. They won 1-0, with Fernandes scoring the only goal. It was also a Saturday morning kick-off.
The situation is almost identical this weekend, although the result against Liverpool is a complete and utter reversal. Most United fans would probably bite your hand off for a similar, but narrow, win.
Ten Hag has suggested that it might take Ugarte “months” to get up to speed, but the Dutchman must be aware that he doesn’t have that kind of time to waste. It has to be done, and Ugarte has to start right away.
