Erik Ten Hag Praises Manuel Ugarte after Fenerbache game

In Manchester United’s Europa League match with Fenerbahce, Erik ten Hag believed Manuel Ugarte gave his greatest performance.

Eight minutes later, Dusan Tadic made a goal-saving stop after Ugarte had dispossessed Fred to start the counterattack from which Christian Eriksen scored.

Ten Hag thinks Ugarte is beginning to “step up” following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain on the day of the £50 million transfer deadline.

“Yes, I think so. He has to come into the team and it costs time, that six role is very important for every team, such a key position and he has to learn how we play and you only learn by playing,” Ten Hag said.

“You see he takes the lessons well, he’s stepping up and I was happy with his performance today.”

United has only won one of their previous 11 European games and has lost all three of their Europa League games this season. They are now 21st in the 36-team Europa League league phase and have led in each of their three draws with Twente, Porto, and Fenerbahce.
With five games left, Ten Hag was still upbeat about United’s undefeated start in Europe.

 “From two tough away games, Porto and Fenerbahce, we take two points, which is a result.

“But, of course, when you are taking the lead, especially the way you concede the goal, starting with the free kick played straight in our block, which shouldn’t happen. It’s a simple one cross and a goal.

“And before that, we had chances to make a second goal, 2-0 up or afterwards 2-1, but we didn’t take our chances. [Marcus Rashford] had a good chance, was good play. Second half also for Rashy when the final pass didn’t come on the right foot for him.

“So it’s a pity and you are disappointed you don’t win but we have to take the point. At Old Trafford, we have to win games.”

entire back After 55 minutes of playing as a No. 10, Noussair Mazraoui was switched to left back in Ten Hag’s initial round of replacements. On minute 73, he decided to substitute Antony for Rashford; however, 16 minutes later, the Brazilian was taken off on a stretcher, and Amad took his place.

Ten Hag explained that Antony’s arrival was a reward for Amad’s improved training form, as his playing time had declined in recent weeks.