Ex-Manchester United striker Louis Saha says Manuel Ugarte would have “watched” the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool and seen “how he can help” Erik ten Hag’s side improve in midfield.

Casemiro struggled in that game at Old Trafford but, speaking to Paddy Power, Saha said that the lack of control in the middle of the park is not just down to the Brazilian. He feels Ugarte will provide more balance when he is introduced into the starting eleven:

“I’m sure that Manuel Ugarte watched the Liverpool game and seen how he can help the Manchester United team. I don’t think the midfield had legs – if anyone from Liverpool counter-attacked, no one could catch them in midfield.”

“Kobbie Mainoo was trying, but didn’t have the power to go about players and catch them. This midfield isn’t strong enough – Casemiro has never had the legs. He’s playing it forward too quick. He was very successful in his first year, provided a lot of forward passes for our centre forwards, and that really helped us create that disruption in midfield. He’s been hard of pace, and less focused on protecting the defence as he was at Real Madrid with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.”

“Manuel Ugarte will come and sit there – he will track back and will get players who are counterattacking. He’ll allow the other players with more flair to find their balance. The midfield is clearly unbalanced. It needs to provide something for the forwards – who need confidence and a bit of space.”

Ugarte’s fitness is a concern

Speaking before the international break, ten Hag said it may take several weeks before the Uruguayan international is up to speed. He hasn’t played a competitive match at club level since last season.

Ugarte has, though, played for Uruguay over the past week, so that may help him gain fitness faster, but it seems unlikely that he will be ready to start against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

United have to be more difficult to play through

As Saha points out, one of the biggest issues that the team had against Liverpool was the number of counter-attacks they faced.

Having a midfield that doesn’t lose possession as often and that can get back into position quickly when the ball is lost is key. Ugarte’s ball-winning ability and his passing accuracy will definitely help a lot in that regard.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here