Ten Hag happy with Ugarte contribution
Erik ten Hag believes Manuel Ugarte put in his best performance in a Manchester United shirt, so far, in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
The Uruguayan returned to the starting XI in Istanbul and was a standout performer in midfield over the 90 minutes.
Our no.25 received 25 per cent of the final vote from fans in our Man of the Match poll after a battling display in the engine room.
When asked if Ugarte’s seventh United appearance was his best to date, the boss told TNT Sports: "Yes, I think so. He has to come into the team. The [number] six role is very important. He has to learn how we play. I was happy with his performance today.”
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Ugarte won the ball from former United midfielder Fred to launch the counter-attack which led to Christian Eriksen’s opening goal in the 15th minute.
Soon after, Manuel made an outstanding block on the slide to prevent Fenerbahce captain Dusan Tadic from finding the net.
A combative figure alongside Eriksen, Manuel conceded four fouls but won five duels, made three interceptions and completed 37 of his 42 passes.
It was the second time that Ugarte has played a full game for the Reds - with the other occasion also in the Europa League, in the 1-1 draw with FC Twente at Old Trafford last month.
The summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain has played himself into contention to retain his place for Sunday’s Premier League clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium, even if Bruno Fernandes returns to the equation after serving a one-match European suspension.
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