“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 give Manuel Ugarte his first appearance as they clash with Southampton in a key Premier League fixture on Saturday. This match comes at a crucial time for the Red Devils, who are reeling from a damaging 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool. This loss has exacerbated their early-season struggles, as Erik ten Hag’s team has faced a series of setbacks and consecutive defeats. With mounting pressure on Ten Hag to arrest this downward trend, significant squad changes are anticipated as the Dutch manager seeks a winning formula.

The away game at St. Mary’s Stadium offers United a potential turnaround opportunity, but it will be challenging. Southampton, also struggling with a poor start and yet to earn a point in their first three games, will be eager to improve their fortunes on home ground. United’s recent attacking woes have led Ten Hag to reevaluate his forward options. Joshua Zirkzee, showing promise in training, is expected to spearhead the attack, with Amad likely to feature as well, adding much-needed support to the forward line.

A major point of discussion ahead of this fixture is the potential exclusion of Casemiro from the starting eleven. The Brazilian midfielder, who played a crucial role last season, had a poor performance against Liverpool, making costly errors that led to two of the three goals conceded. Consequently, Ten Hag is expected to replace Casemiro with new signing Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a last-minute transfer, is anticipated to bring renewed energy and discipline to the midfield.

Ugarte’s inclusion represents a significant move by Ten Hag, who is determined to inject freshness into a squad that has appeared disjointed and lacking confidence. The midfield contest will be pivotal against Southampton, and Ugarte’s capacity to disrupt play and distribute effectively could be crucial for United to regain control in the middle of the pitch. His entry also highlights Ten Hag’s readiness to make bold decisions, even if it means benching experienced players like Casemiro.

Off the field, Ten Hag faces mounting scrutiny from fans and analysts, with many questioning his tactical choices and team selections. Despite this, the Dutch manager remains steadfast, insisting that the club is undergoing a transition. In a recent press conference, Ten Hag emphasized that the team’s current struggles are part of a larger rebuilding process. “It doesn’t affect me,” Ten Hag asserted. “I understand our current situation, what we need to do, and the direction we’re heading.”

Ten Hag also noted that it is premature to draw final conclusions about the season. “We’ll evaluate where we stand by May,” he stated, reminding fans that the ultimate aim is to secure trophies and achieve a high league finish. His immediate focus is on improving the team’s short-term performance. “We aim to win every game, and come May, we’ll assess our progress and make judgments accordingly.”

As the match against Southampton approaches, it’s evident that a lot is riding on this game for Manchester United. A win could provide the necessary momentum to turn their season around, while another defeat would intensify the pressure on Ten Hag and his squad. The introduction of Ugarte and the reshuffling of the attack with Zirkzee and Amad underscore the manager’s intent to steer the team in a new direction. Whether these changes will prove effective remains to be seen, but the significance of this fixture cannot be understated.

In the broader context, this moment is crucial for Manchester United. After years of inconsistency and frequent managerial changes, the club is keen to establish stability and reclaim its former status. Ten Hag’s long-term vision focuses on integrating young talent and building a competitive team. However, fan patience is wearing thin, and the upcoming matches will be critical in determining whether the team can successfully navigate this transitional phase.

Ultimately, the game against Southampton will serve as a litmus test for Ten Hag’s approach. A positive outcome and a win could earn him crucial time and support from fans, while continued poor form could heighten the pressure. Saturday’s match could well define the direction of the season, already marked by challenges.