Erik ten Hag issues Manuel Ugarte warning as Man Utd star struggles with price tag
Manuel Ugarte has largely struggled to live up to his £50million price since arriving in the summer, but the midfielder has retained the backing of manager Erik ten Hag
by Simon Mullock · The MirrorErik ten Hag warned that £50million midfielder Manuel Ugarte still needs time to get up to speed in the Premier League.
Ugarte enjoyed his best performance in a United shirt since his summer arrival from Paris St Germain in the Europa League draw at Fenerbahce. But Ten Hag has been patient with the Uruguayan international - and insisted he must continue to build on his impact in Istanbul.
Ten Hag said: “For sure, the No 6 position is a key position in your team, and he (Ugarte) has to learn this position in our game model. I think this is a step forward, so I am really pleased with his performance - and from here on he has to build.
“You have to integrate them. He came late in the window and then we had to integrate him during the competitions. That takes time. We have to stay patient but, as you see, if the quality in that position is not right it's very difficult for a team to control games.
"I don't even speak about dominating games. So, that position needs one who brings the quality all the time, and we have to integrate him now in this team. As I said, I'm pleased with his performance today and from here on he can build up.”
United had been leading at the break against Fenerbache, thanks to Christian Eriksen's strike. But the hosts were level four minutes after the restart when Youssef En-Nesyri got between United defenders to head home Allan Saint-Maximin’s cross from close range.
Ugarte was then at the centre of high controversy when Bright Osayi-Samuel went down under his challenge, prompting shouts for a penalty. Clement Turpin waved away those claims, which was backed up by VAR.
HAVE YOUR SAY! How should Manchester United line up against West Ham? Comment below.
But Fenerbache boss Jose Mourinho was left furious was was ultimately sent off. United had their chances to claim a win, leaving boss Ten Hag frustrated to only take a draw from the game.
“We missed some big opportunities, like the one where it was brilliant outplay on the right side and then the final pass from Diogo [Dalot] for Rashy [ Marcus Rashford ] wasn’t quite there. That should be a goal," he said.
"It was fabulous outplay over the right side, good behind the defending line and then the pull-back - just the final pass wasn’t there in that moment and that’s a pity because, in that moment, if you go 2-1 up, you win the game.
“We should have won this game but, in the end, we know that it’s a tough atmosphere here, so we take a point. So from two tough away games [also against FC Porto], we take two points and now we have two games at Old Trafford [in the Europa League].
"We have to win if we want to progress in Europe. It’s hard to beat our team but we have to take more chances. When you want to be really successful, when you are coming into the scoring position, if you want to win more games, you have to score more.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£46 (was £56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.