3/3 dribbles, 8/12 duels won, 6 recoveries: 23yo United star has to start vs Southampton after fabulous Int'l display

Uruguay played out a goalless draw against Venezuela in their World Cup qualifier yesterday.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were unable to find the breakthrough at the Monumental Stadium in Maturin, but it was a good outing for Manchester United’s new signing Manuel Ugarte.

Ugarte played 79 minutes during the goalless draw against Paraguay and he completed the full game versus Venezuela. He was superb from the number six position last night.

The 23-year-old won eight out of 12 duels contested with two tackles and six recoveries. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain star also made three interceptions and completed 100% of his take-ons (3/3).

His recent performances should be encouraging for the Red Devils, considering he did not play any pre-season games with Paris Saint-Germain after returning from vacation.

United manager Erik ten Hag recently said that it could take weeks or even months for him to become an important player, but we believe Ugarte is ready to make his full debut.

Casemiro had a dreadful performance versus Liverpool before the international break. The 32-year-old gifted possession to the visitors in the lead-up to both goals in the opening half.

He was replaced by club graduate Toby Collyer at the half-time interval. Ten Hag would have preferred to slowly integrate Ugarte, but he could now make his debut from the starting XI.

The Red Devils face Southampton on the road in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off. It appears a must-win game as they are already four points adrift of the top four places.

It is an easy fixture on paper for the club, but three of the last four meetings have ended in draws. United need to play at their best to beat the Saints at St. Mary’s this weekend.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com