“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 debut as they face Southampton in a crucial Premier League fixture this Saturday. This match comes at a pivotal moment for United, following a disheartening 3-0 loss to Liverpool, which has only added to their struggles this season. Erik ten Hag’s squad has faltered, enduring successive defeats, and the pressure is on the Dutch manager to reverse this downward trend with some notable adjustments.

Heading to St. Mary’s Stadium, Manchester United will be looking to seize an opportunity for redemption, but the challenge will be formidable. Southampton, having failed to secure any points from their initial three games, will be eager to turn their fortunes around on their home turf. With United’s attack struggling in recent outings, Ten Hag is expected to make tactical changes, including a potential starting role for Joshua Zirkzee, who has shown promise in training. Amad may also be brought into the fold to bolster the attack, which has been lacking in effectiveness.

A major storyline leading up to the game is the possible exclusion of Casemiro from the starting lineup. The Brazilian midfielder had a disappointing performance against Liverpool, making critical mistakes that led to two of the three goals conceded. As a result, Ten Hag is likely to replace Casemiro with Manuel Ugarte, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a last-minute transfer. Ugarte’s inclusion is anticipated to inject fresh energy and discipline into the midfield, an area that has been underperforming.

Ten Hag’s decision to include Ugarte marks a decisive move to address the team’s issues, signaling his readiness to make tough choices, even if it means dropping experienced players like Casemiro. Ugarte’s ability to disrupt opposition play and distribute the ball efficiently could be pivotal in regaining control of the midfield against Southampton. This change reflects Ten Hag’s commitment to recalibrating the team and addressing the current lack of cohesion and confidence.

Amid growing scrutiny from fans and analysts questioning his tactics and squad decisions, Ten Hag remains steadfast. He views the team’s current struggles as part of a broader rebuilding process. In a recent press conference, Ten Hag expressed confidence in his approach, emphasizing the long-term nature of the club’s transition. “I’m not deterred by the criticism,” he stated. “I understand the process we are undergoing and the direction we need to take.”

Ten Hag also reminded that it is premature to draw final conclusions about the season’s outcome. “We’ll assess our position by May next year,” he said, underscoring the importance of focusing on short-term improvements while keeping long-term goals in sight. His immediate focus is on securing victories and gradually elevating the team’s performance.

As the match against Southampton approaches, the stakes are high for Manchester United. A win could provide much-needed momentum, while another loss would heighten the pressure on Ten Hag and his team. The potential debut of Ugarte and the reshuffling of the attack with Zirkzee and Amad highlight the manager’s intent to make significant changes. Whether these adjustments will prove effective remains to be seen, but the significance of this game cannot be overstated.

This match represents a critical juncture for Manchester United, as they seek stability and a return to their former prominence. Ten Hag’s strategy focuses on long-term success, incorporating young talents and building a competitive squad. However, with fans growing impatient for immediate results, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether the team can successfully navigate this transitional phase.

Ultimately, the game against Southampton will be a test of Ten Hag’s managerial project. A positive result could earn him valuable time and support from fans, while continued poor performance may lead to increased pressure. Saturday’s match could be a turning point, setting the stage for the rest of a season that has already been challenging.