“Drop him tonight. He is not the same young lad that we used to know. His performance has declined seriously and he needs to reevaluate and check himself. Replace him with the ‘monster’ in your squad and tonight will definitely go in your favor” – This is according to Pundit Tim Sherwood as he convinces Erik Ten Hag that he must axe 5/10 Manchester United star who lost the ball 14 times vs Saints
Manchester United’s season has faced a rocky start, but after a series of losses, Erik ten Hag’s squad managed to secure their second Premier League victory of the year with a win against Southampton on Saturday.
The Red Devils withstood early pressure from Southampton before netting three goals to earn all three points, aiming to turn their fortunes around.
Despite the win, the performance was far from flawless. With a League Cup match against Barnsley on the horizon, it would be prudent for Ten Hag to consider making adjustments, including potentially resting a player who struggled over the weekend.
One such player is emerging talent Kobbie Mainoo. This isn’t a suggestion for him to miss several games, but given his off form on Saturday, sitting out tonight’s match might be beneficial for him.
Mainoo’s underwhelming performance did not go unnoticed, with ESPN’s Adam Brown rating him a 5/10, highlighting that the teenager had a “difficult match,” struggling with ball progression and frequent possession losses.
Though it may seem harsh, the statistics from his 96-minute appearance back up this assessment. He failed to complete 50% of his dribbles, lost possession 14 times, committed two fouls, and inaccurately delivered his only cross.
As U23 scout Antonio Mango referred to him as a promising “baller,” Mainoo’s recent showing wasn’t his best, underscoring the need for him to be rested for tonight’s game.
Another factor is the importance of not overplaying Mainoo at his age. Resting him could provide Ten Hag with an opportunity to give another midfield talent some much-needed game time against a less challenging opponent.
**Why Manuel Ugarte Should Start**
When the lineups for tonight’s match are announced, Manuel Ugarte should be in the midfield in place of Mainoo for two clear reasons.
Firstly, managing Mainoo’s playing time is crucial. Although he possesses significant potential, excessive playtime could negatively impact his development.
Secondly, Ugarte, despite showing physical readiness, might still be catching up on match sharpness and tactical understanding. Getting him involved in competitive matches soon is the best way to integrate him into the team.
While it might be risky to start Ugarte in a league match, facing Barnsley—currently in League One—presents a manageable opportunity even if Ugarte is not yet fully in sync.
Moreover, Ugarte has demonstrated his fitness with strong performances during the international break, playing 79 minutes against Paraguay and a full 90 minutes against Venezuela. His impressive statistics, according to FBref, place him among the top midfielders in Europe for tackles, interceptions, and other key metrics.
Ultimately, after a less-than-stellar performance from Mainoo, he could benefit from rest, while Ugarte needs more playtime to adapt to his role at United. Tonight’s fixture against Barnsley presents the perfect opportunity for Ten Hag to address both needs.
