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Manchester United are set to face Southampton this afternoon, in a clash which Erik ten Hag will be desperate to win after a slow start to the campaign.
His side have suffered defeats at the hands of Brighton and Liverpool so far this season, and failing to pick up three points at St. Mary’s would see further questions raised of the manager.
Ten Hag has confirmed that Manuel Ugarte is available for the trip to the south coast, though it remains to be seen whether the Uruguayan international is handed his debut after his public backing of Casemiro.
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Erik ten Hag has explained why Manuel Ugarte was left out of the United starting line-up to play Southampton.
Christian Eriksen was instead named in the XI to replace Casemiro, with the £43m arrival replacing him on 73 minutes.
"He didn't work with the team, it was two sessions, one before the break and yesterday," Ten Hag said. "He was the only one later into the team training, so yesterday he had 20 minutes with us. We were happy we could bring him today and show what he could deliver."
Manuel Ugarte on his Manchester United debut. (Image: Getty)
Plenty more Premier League action to come this weekend but suddenly, things look a lot better for Eirk ten Hag. His side are now eighth in the table after the 3pm kick-off results.
Premier League results: Brighton 0-0 Ipswich Town; Crystal Palace 2-2 Leicester; Fulham 1-1 West Ham; Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest; Man City 2-1 Brentford.
Andre Onana was one of Manchester United's heroes at St Mary's, saving Cameron Archer's penalty.
And speaking to TNT Sports after, the Cameroon keeper said the squad staying injury free was the key to their season. "It's not always easy when we change the back-four but sometimes we have to be pragmatic," he said.
"We can't control injuries and other things, so we have to deal with the situation. If Casemiro has to play centre-back, I will have to deal with the situation. Sometimes we have games where Bruno (Fernandes) is centre-back and he's not the best there (laughs), it's what the team needs at that time and we do our best. Hopefully we will have fewer injuries this season."
Erik ten Hag has said Marcus Rashford's goal of the season will be "huge" for the Man Utd striker.
"It was very important (the goal), we spoke about it before the game," he told TNT Sports.
"It was so huge for him. For every striker, when the season starts they want to be on the scoring list. Now he has his first I'm sure that he will score many more."
It finishes 3-0 as in the sixth minute of injury time, Alejandro Garnacho hammered home from eight yards after beeing teed up by Amad Diallo.
Earlier goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford had put Erik ten Hag's side in control as the hosts finished with 10 men after Jack Stephens was sent off.
But the win may have been soured for Ten Hag with defender Lisandro Martinez limping off late on.
Garnacho absence not related to social media antics
Manchester United reportedly insist that Alejandro Garnacho has not been dropped for his side’s clash with Southampton due to his social media conduct.
Fabrizio Romano reports that United sources ‘guarantee’ that the Argentina international was rotated out of the starting 11 due to tactical reasons rather than his off-pitch activity.
Garnacho raised eyebrows earlier this week when allegedly liking an Instagram post which criticised comments made by Ten Hag.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not see eye-to-eye with the Dutchman during their time together at the Theatre of Dreams, criticised his former boss for playing down United’s chances of winning the Premier League.
The quotes were reposted online, and Garnacho allegedly liked the post on Instagram, before later removing the like. But those at United reportedly insist that he has not been dropped as a result of the apparent lapse in judgement from the winger.
Erik ten Hag insisted that he believes Marcus Rashford ‘needed’ a goal, and his prayers has been answered.
The England international has given the Red Devils a 2-0 lead with a curling strike in the 41st minute, leaving Aaron Ramsdale with no chance as his strike nestled into the bottom corner off of the post.
The Red Devils looked set to go behind when Southampton were awarded a penalty for Diogo Dalot’s late challenge on Tyler Dibley but Cameron Archer saw his spot-kick saved by Andre Onana.
United then capitalised just two minutes later when De Ligt nodded home from close range following Bruno Fernandes’ cross.
United are growing into their game with Southampton after a slow start.
The Saints dominated the opening 10 minutes of the clash and almost took the lead through debutant Tyler Dibling, but the Red Devils have grown into the game.
Joshua Zirkzee almost gave United the lead against the run of play when latching onto a cross from Amad Diallo, but his effort was saved by Aaron Ramsdale.
The Uruguay international has been named on the bench against Southampton, with Christian Eriksen replacing Casemiro in midfield.
Asked about the decision not to start Ugarte, Ten Hag said: “He's only participated in two sessions and not even full sessions. He doesn't know everyone and needs time to integrate.
“I can't say if he can debut today or not. It depends on the match and how it goes.”
Manuel Ugarte has been named on the United bench (Image: Getty)
Tim Sherwood has revealed that he believes Unai Emery has what it takes to manage Manchester United.
The Spaniard has impressed since taking charge of Aston Villa, recently penning a bumper deal with the club.
But ex-Spurs boss Sherwood feels that he is capable of thriving at Old Trafford.
He told OLBG: “Unai Emery certainly has the credentials to be a future Manchester United manager, but Aston Villa would do everything they can not to lose him and I don’t think he’d be interested in leaving to take that job.
“Aston Villa, they've given him everything. They've given the sporting director what he wants as well. He's pretty much running the club from top to bottom. And why wouldn't they?
“He is a dream manager and Villa are right to trust him, it would be difficult to prise him away now, but certainly he looks like a man to me who's very level -headed and can handle the big pressure.”
The Daily Star report that the ex-Ajax star has been shortlisted as a potential Casemiro replacement by the higher powers at Old Trafford.
Klaassen is currently a free agent after being released by Inter Milan, with several sides around Europe monitoring his situation closely. Fellow free agent Adrien Rabiot has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as well.
Davy Klaassen has been linked with United (Image: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has provided a positive injury update on Tyrell Malacia.
The left-back has not played competitively since May last year due to a knee issue which required multiple surgeries, but he is now edging closer to a return to the pitch.
Asked about the defender on Friday, Ten Hag said: “"Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away.
"Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment. He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural. I expect also, soon, he can return into games then."
The Red Devils forked out £50million to sign Manuel Ugarte from PSG over the summer to solve their midfield woes, and he is expected to make his debut later today.
However, Ten Hag still retains belief in Casemiro and the Brazil international is expected to continue featuring regularly.
The Dutchman explained: “You definitely need him, for sure.
“Of course, I speak with him about the situation. Everyone can have a bad at the office - have you never had a bad day at the office?”
Marcus Rashford reportedly feels that he is being ‘bullied’ by former Manchester United stars.
According to i, those within the England international’s camp believe that the winger is struggling with comments from ex-professionals.
One source reportedly said: “When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it’s different. Very different. The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes (matters) worse.”
Another added: “He is a local lad from Manchester living out his dream. So why can people not get off his back? Some support from somewhere might help him get back to his best. Without that, and with these ex-players unable to contain themselves when he does the slightest thing wrong, it only makes things harder for him.”
