Manuel Ugarte sends message to Erik ten Hag after Man Utd manager's concerns over signing

Manuel Ugarte has shown he is ready to make an impact at Manchester United, despite claims from Erik ten Hag that the midfielder may need time to get up to speed.

The Uruguay international, 23, joined the Red Devils from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day in a deal worth an initial £42million following months of speculation.

Ten Hag seemed to imply that fans would have to wait to see the midfielder, though, saying: "If you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn’t play so far in the season. Not one match minute.

"So he needs to build his fitness and then we have to build him in the team and I’m sure he’ll be an important player. But that will take a couple of weeks, maybe even months."

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But Ugarte certainly didn't seem to be struggling with any rust in Uruguay's 0-0 draw with Paraguay after he was drafted into start the match by head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Ugarte produced an all-action display in the World Cup qualifier before being withdrawn in the 79th minute. Intriguingly, he has already suggested that he feels ready to contribute straight away for his new club.

"I’m very happy, very hungry and very excited,’ Ugarte said shortly after wrapping up his move. "I feel very good, I have prepared myself. The truth is that I haven’t played many minutes since the season began, but physically I feel very good."

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While Ten Hag may be reluctant to throw Ugarte into the mix too early, he could be left with little choice after Casemiro struggled badly in the 3-0 loss against Liverpool prior to the international break.

The veteran midfielder was at fault for both of Liverpool's first half goals and looked alarmingly off the pace before being hooked at half-time for youngster Toby Collyer.

Ten Hag threw his support behind Casemiro post-match, though, where he hinted that he would continue selecting the multi-time Champions League winner. The Dutchman said: "We had to take risks because we want to bounce back, then you need players in midfield to cover ground, therefore we put Toby Collyer on the pitch.

"I think that in football everyone has to take responsibility. I'm sure he is a great character and he won everything in his career that you can imagine. I am sure he will keep contributing to our team and Casemiro is always winning so he will be there."

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