23yo United star poised to start regularly after Ten Hag exit, Amorim signing is good news for him - opinion

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has had a frustrating start to his debut season following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Uruguayan was expected to secure a regular starting role in midfield, but he was largely on the bench under former manager Erik ten Hag.

The 23-year-old has played just 112 minutes in the Premier League with a solitary start.

He was recently praised by Ten Hag for his performance against Fenerbahce, but found himself as an unused substitute in the 2-1 loss to West Ham United.

With Ten Hag no longer at the helm, it could be a blessing in disguise for Ugarte. The midfielder could finally get a regular run of matches to prove his credentials.

Ugarte has shown glimpses of his immense quality with his passing range and duel winning skills.

He was brilliant in the Europa League outing in Istanbul where he was up for the physical challenge against Sofyan Amrabat and Fred in the heart of the midfield.

The midfielder also made a terrific goalline clearance to deny Dusan Tadic, but Ten Hag surprisingly benched him for Casemiro in a must-win clash last weekend.

Casemiro had a good all-round outing. The Brazilian scored United’s only goal of the game while making seven clearances, nine recoveries and winning seven duels.

In our opinion, Ugarte and Casemiro should start together when United face off against Chelsea in Sunday’s league much-awaited league encounter at Old Trafford.

The Blues have three of the best defensive midfielders in the league in Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez. The midfield battle could decide the contest.

Prior to the Chelsea encounter, United have a Carabao Cup fourth round tie versus Leicester City on Wednesday.

Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has the opportunity to experiment with Ugarte and Casemiro in that game such that they can improve their chemistry in the centre of the park.

Looking into the long-term, Ugarte has a high possibility of becoming a mainstay with reports emerging that Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim is ready to succeed Ten Hag.

Ugarte made a name for himself during his time in Lisbon. He was brilliant under Amorim’s tutelage and should be delighted by the prospect of a reunion with the 39-year-old.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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