Ten Hag provides a worrying update on Ugarte after Liverpool defeat | OneFootball

Manchester United suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Red Devils lacked a cutting edge in the final third, with Joshua Zirkzee missing two clear-cut chances. Casemiro also had a dreadful first-half performance.

The Brazilian midfielder was guilty of gifting possession in his own half, and Liverpool took full advantage as Luis Diaz scored twice.

There were no surprises that Casemiro was substituted at the interval. Toby Collyer was handed his Premier League debut in the absence of new signing Manuel Ugarte.

Ugarte was not registered in time for the derby and Ten Hag hinted after the game that he may not be a guaranteed starter from the off.

“So this is another one – we have to build him into the team,” Ten Hag said via the Manchester Evening News.

“It will take time, so it’s not like I’m Harry Potter. That is what you have to acknowledge.

“And if you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn’t play so far in the season. Not one match minute.

“So he needs to build his fitness rate. Then we have to build him in the team and I am sure he will contribute to our level.

“He will be an important player, but that will take a couple of weeks, maybe even months.”

Ugarte was unveiled to the fans before the game. Judging by Ten Hag’s comments, he would not have started had he made the matchday squad against Liverpool.

The 23-year-old has not played any form of football since the Copa America third-place play-off against Canada on July 13. Uruguay won that game on penalties.

Despite his lack of minutes, the midfielder has travelled for international duty and is expected to face Paraguay and Venezuela in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Those fixtures offer the perfect opportunity for him to get up to speed. Ten Hag has to start him when the Red Devils face Southampton later this month.

Collyer had a good league debut with seven duels and three tackles won, but United need the experience and ball-playing ability of Ugarte alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com.