Manuel Ugarte suffers injury with Uruguay just as Erik ten Hag planned to 'unleash' him at Man United

There was hope at Manchester United that Manuel Ugarte would fix the midfield problems after his summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old signed just after the disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, where Manchester United’s chaotic midfield was a big talking point.

Casemiro had a hall of shame display against Liverpool and fans were hoping that the £42m deal for Manuel Ugarte would fix the midfield.

However, Erik ten Hag resisted the urge to throw Manuel Ugarte straight into the mix and has instead slowly integrated him into the side.

Ugarte has only started three matches this season – including only once in the Premier League. However, he had been building up his match rhythm on international duty with Uruguay.

Manchester United Training Session — Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Manuel Ugarte suffers injury in Uruguay vs Ecuador

Ugarte has become a key player for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay side having started all of their Copa America games over the summer.

He was called up to international duty again in October and Ugarte was hailed for playing a new position earlier this week against Peru.

Ugarte returned to his midfield position for the goalless draw to Ecuador early on Wednesday morning, and Uruguayan media have reacted to Ugarte’s display.

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United’s combative midfielder showed signs of promise against Ecuador after completing 89 percent of his passes, creating one chance and winning 75 percent of his tackles as well as five duels.

But the worrying news for United is that Ugarte was withdrawn in the 82nd minute following an injury.

As reported by Uruguayan outlet El Pais, Ugarte was injured in the middle of the pitch and “immediately asked for a substitution”.

According to Tenfield, Ugarte “suffered muscle pain in his right thigh” and was treated with an ice pack. The report adds “he will be out for Manchester United”.

Erik ten Hag was planning to ‘unleash’ Manuel Ugarte

Ugarte has had to be patient in the opening few weeks of his United career, but reports suggested that Ten Hag had a plan to increase his game time after the international break.

According to Express, Ten Hag was ready to “unleash” Ugarte at United after slowly bedding him into the side.

However, his late injury while on international duty is set to scupper Ten Hag’s plans.

The Dutchman is under huge pressure and will now have to tweak his midfield plans for the upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.