Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte may play a larger role at Old Trafford in the coming weeks, despite Erik ten Hag vying for his position in the dugout, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, who say one of the Dutchman’s priorities is to fully integrate the midfielder into the first team picture. Ugarte joined for United from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £42 million in the summer, with United desperate for a defensive midfielder after Scott McTominay left for Napoli only days before. However, he has not had a fantastic start to life at Old Trafford, with some poo

Ugarte has only started in three games, featuring against Twente, Barnsley and Tottenham Hotspur from the off, whilst other matches have seen him either utilised from the bench or not even emerging from the dugout at all.However, sources state that Ten Hag has stood by his view that Ugarte would need time to settle at Old Trafford, and that he wasn’t brought to the club to make an instant impact. The former Sporting star has no fitness issues, and Ten Hag is beginning to come under increased pressure to utilise him more after paying £42million for his services late in the summer transfer window.

Ugarte has only started three games, against Twente, Barnsley, and Tottenham Hotspur, with the rest of his appearances coming from the bench. According to insiders, Ten Hag has maintained that Ugarte will need time to settle at Old Trafford and was not brought in to make an immediate effect. The former Sporting star has no fitness difficulties, and Ten Hag is under increasing pressure to use him more after paying £42 million for his services late in the summer transfer window.

Ugarte was signed as a midfield fix for United, with Casemiro fading swiftly and Sofyan Amrabat’s loan stay expiring – his loan-to-buy option was not exercised – and with academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo in need of a long-term partner, Ugarte has been tipped as the man of the hour. Ugarte Must Play to Improve.

Most young signings take time to adjust to the Premier League and thrive in it, and Ugarte is no exception. Despite having over 200 first-team games in his career at the age of 23, the Uruguayan star has a wealth of experience – but the Premier League can be a different story. Ugarte will adjust to the top flight eventually, and with Ten Hag likely to give him more first-team opportunities in the coming games, he could improve his quality for the Red Devils as they look to overcome a poor start to the season – but that will only come with more game time, and if the Uruguayan does not adapt well, it could be detrimental to United.