Manchester United fans may have to wait beyond the next Premier League game against Southampton to see Manuel Ugarte in action.
Fans will be desperate to see Manchester United’s new £42million signing thrown into the mix after the dire performance against Liverpool on the weekend, but the league clash against Southampton might come too soon for Manuel Ugarte.
The 23-year-old midfielder was not registered in time for the Liverpool game and United paid the price with Casemiro putting on a terrible display at Old Trafford before he was hooked off at half-time.
Toby Collyer replaced the Brazilian and did well, but United will want to get Ugarte playing alongside Kobbie Mainoo as quickly as possible as they try to solve the midfield crisis.
After watching United’s defeat from the stands, Ugarte has jetted out to join up with the Uruguay squad over the break and his international schedule means he might not be ready to face Southampton.
Casemiro could start ahead of Manuel Ugarte vs Southampton
Despite his disastrous showing against Liverpool, Casemiro may retain his starting spot when the Premier League resumes.
United face Southampton in the early 12:30pm kick-off on Saturday, September 14th. Uruguay are scheduled to face Venezuela just four days prior where Ugarte could feature for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
If Ugarte does play, he would have very little time to rest up before facing the Saints on the weekend, especially as he’d have to fly back from South America just hours before kick-off.
In contrast, Casemiro is set to have two weeks off to recover from the Liverpool defeat after being left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming friendlies.
Ten Hag has already issued a warning about Ugarte’s fitness, suggesting it could be “months” until he can have a major impact.
Manuel Ugarte could make Man United debut vs Barnsley
It would be a huge risk to play Ugarte against Southampton if he features for Uruguay over the international break.
Not only are Uruguay playing Venezuela on September 10th, but they are also scheduled to face Paraguay on September 10th and there is a chance that Ugarte could feature in both matches.
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The last thing United needs is more injuries with Leny Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount already spending time in the treatment room.
Ultimately, Ugarte’s Manchester United debut may have to wait until the League Cup clash against Barnsley on Tuesday, September 17th.
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