Ten Hag confirms Ugarte is available but Man Utd duo ‘not ready’ to face Southampton | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided an update on three players ahead of the Premier League fixture at Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

The Red Devils have had a tough start to the league campaign, picking up only three points from their opening three games. They are already four points behind the top four.

Saturday’s game at St Mary’s appears a must-win for United. Ten Hag has confirmed that Manuel Ugarte could make his debut, but two other players are unavailable.

“Manuel Ugarte, you will have seen he played for Uruguay,” Ten Hag said.

“He returned this afternoon [Thursday] – he was the only player who returned today, the rest yesterday, so he is available for this game.

“Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw are progressing very well but not ready.”

United are already playing catch up to the Champions League places and can’t afford another slip-up against Southampton, who are yet to register a point after promotion.

The Red Devils will go into the weekend game as clear favourites to pick up three points, but it may not be straightforward with the crowd fully behind the home team.

United have drawn three of the previous four meetings with the Saints, and they will have to play at their best to overcome them and climb up the table.

Ten Hag is bound to make at least one change from the 3-0 loss to Liverpool. Ugarte could be handed his full league debut in the number six position ahead of Casemiro.

The manager presented concerns over the midfielder’s fitness before the internationals, but Ugarte has come out with flying colours, playing 169 minutes for Uruguay.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.