They rather sack me…I won’t stop starting him, never”: Erik ten Hag says he’ll never drop the £67m star who the fans sees as the only problem stopping the club’s progress- BOARD also want the player out. . .
Manchester United are set to hand Manuel Ugarte his first appearance as they take on Southampton in a crucial Premier League match on Saturday. This fixture comes at a pivotal time for the Red Devils, who are still reeling from a heavy 3-0 home defeat to their fierce rivals, Liverpool. That loss has added to their struggles this season, with Erik ten Hag’s team enduring back-to-back defeats. The pressure is now on Ten Hag to reverse their fortunes, and several squad changes are anticipated as the Dutch manager searches for a solution.
United’s trip to St. Mary’s Stadium presents an opportunity to bounce back, but it won’t be an easy challenge. Southampton, who have also started the season poorly, having failed to secure any points in their first three games, will be desperate for a result in front of their home fans. With United’s attack misfiring in recent matches, Ten Hag is considering different options up front. Joshua Zirkzee, who has impressed in training, is expected to lead the line, with Amad providing much-needed support to bolster the attack.
A key point of discussion ahead of this game is whether Casemiro will be dropped from the starting lineup. The Brazilian midfielder, who was instrumental last season, had a disappointing outing against Liverpool, with his mistakes directly contributing to two of the goals conceded. As a result, Ten Hag is likely to opt for new signing Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan, who was a last-minute acquisition from Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to bring fresh energy and stability to a midfield that has been lacking in recent games.
Ugarte’s introduction signals a bold move by Ten Hag, who is determined to shake up a squad that has looked disjointed and low on confidence. The midfield battle will be key against Southampton, and Ugarte’s ability to break up play and distribute effectively could help United regain control in the center of the park. This decision also underscores Ten Hag’s readiness to make tough calls, even if it means benching established players like Casemiro.
Off the field, Ten Hag is facing growing criticism from fans and pundits alike, with many questioning his tactics and squad choices. However, the Dutch manager remains unfazed, insisting that the club is still in the process of rebuilding. In a recent press conference, he emphasized that the team’s current struggles are part of a longer-term vision. “It doesn’t bother me,” Ten Hag stated confidently. “I understand the process we’re going through and where we need to go.”
Ten Hag also highlighted that it’s too early in the season to make any definitive judgments. “Let’s see where we are come May next year,” he remarked, reiterating that the ultimate goal remains winning trophies and finishing as high as possible in the league. For now, his focus is on improving performances in the short term. “We’re aiming to win every game, and by May, we’ll evaluate our progress,” he added.
As the Southampton match approaches, it’s clear that much is riding on the outcome for Manchester United. A win could provide the momentum needed to turn the season around, while another defeat would only increase the pressure on Ten Hag and his squad. The introduction of Ugarte, along with changes in attack involving Zirkzee and Amad, reflects the manager’s desire to steer the team in a new direction. Whether these adjustments will yield positive results remains to be seen, but the significance of this game is undeniable.
In the broader context, this match represents a defining moment for Manchester United. After years of inconsistency and managerial changes, the club is eager to find stability and return to its former glory. Ten Hag’s long-term vision involves integrating young talent and building a team capable of competing at the highest level. However, with fans growing impatient for immediate success, the next few games will be crucial in determining whether United can navigate this transitional phase successfully.
Ultimately, the Southampton game will serve as a key test for Ten Hag’s project. If the changes he makes result in a strong performance and, most importantly, a win, it could earn him valuable time and support from the fanbase. On the other hand, if United’s poor form continues, the pressure on Ten Hag will only intensify. Either way, Saturday’s match could be a pivotal moment in a season already filled with challenges.
