Ruben Amorim admits Manuel Ugarte selection mistake amid Manchester United concerns | OneFootball

Midfielder scored an own goal during difficult night against Southampton

The midfielder, who signed for United in a deal worth around £50m last summer, was substituted in the second-half after scoring an own goal against Southampton on Thursday night.

United laboured for much of the game at Old Trafford but staged a late comeback when Amad Diallo bagged a 12-minute hat-trick to seal a 3-1 victory.

With Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday before next week's clash with Rangers, there is no easing in the schedule for players to recover.

Mistake: Ruben Amorim admits he should have given Manuel Ugarte more support against Southampton

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Asked if it was a concern that a player who could cost United such big money was struggling to meet the demands of the schedule, Amorim said: "The players will get used to that. I'm trying to be honest with you guys. I talk openly about the game. You are focused on what I said about Ugarte.

"Ugarte was tired because he did a great job against Liverpool. If you look at the game against Arsenal, maybe Ugarte and Bruno (Fernandes) were the best players against Liverpool. They didn't play against Newcastle. I think that happens with all players in the Premier League."

Amorim did, however, admit he made a mistake in terms of his selection when putting the tired Ugarte up against Southampton’s energetic midfield.

“Also, it is my fault because if you lose the timing of the pressure, if I don’t explain it well, the pressure is always lost in that, and you feel it today,” he added.

“Mateus [Fernandes] was, with the number seven [Joe Aribo], creating a lot of problems for Manu because Manu was running against two guys. So it’s more my fault than his fault. He is going to get used to playing every three days.”

Diogo Dalot is set to return for United on Sunday following his one-match suspension, while Luke Shaw is making progress on his return from injury. Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are not expected to feature.