“I’m not exactly seeing what he is seeing” - Shaka Hislop fires shots at Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag over Manuel Ugarte decision
Former Premier League goalkeeper-turned-television pundit Shaka Hislop has slammed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for not starting Manuel Ugarte against Southampton on Saturday, September 14. The Red Devils signed the Uruguay international from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer in a deal worth reported £50.7 million including add-ons.
Following Manchester United star Casemiro's dismal midfield showing in their 3-0 loss against Liverpool, Ugarte was expected to start against Southampton. However, Ten Hag chose to keep the 23-year-old on the bench and introduced him in the 73rd minute.
Shaka Hislop has insisted that Ten Hag should have started his new signing in a relatively easier game like Southampton. The former West Ham United and Newcastle United keeper told ESPN, as quoted by Caught Offside:
“For me, why not stick Ugarte in? You’re not going to go long-term with [Christian] Eriksen, you’re not going to go long-term with Casemiro, and it’s about a weaker opponent in Southampton – which they were."
“I don’t get it. And the reason to say I don’t get it is to start the season, he brings in [Noussair] Mazraoui and [Matthijs] De Ligt. He starts with Mazraoui with no question, and I’m not on the training ground so I’m not exactly seeing that Ten Hag is seeing."
Hislop added:
“But if you’re willing to throw players straight in – and those two signed days before the opening day of the season or the Community Shield – go ahead and throw those players in."
“You’ve got Southampton away, throw them in at the deep end and just let him bed himself in for a slightly tougher test in Crystal Palace. And then whatever else is to come. I just don’t get the kind of reluctant to take that gamble.”
Ugarte is expected to be a long-term solution for Manchester United in the middle of the park, with both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in their thirties. The midfield dynamo made his name at Sporting CP before joining PSG in 2023 and is now with the Red Devils.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag offers Luke Shaw fitness update
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that Luke Shaw is progressing well in terms of recovery from injury. The England international suffered a calf injury during pre-season and is yet to feature this campaign.
Shaw was not in the Red Devils' squad in their 3-0 win against Southampton last weekend. Now, Ten Hag has confirmed that the 29-year-old will miss their EFL Cup third-round tie against League One side Barnsley. The Dutchman said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano:
"He's progressing but not yet ready to be selected. He is progressing well."
The former Ajax manager added:
"We have a plan in our head when he can be ready but you're always dependent on how the progress will go. There are many factors, a plan can accelerate or slow down."
Luke Shaw has been at Manchester United since 2014, having joined the club in a deal worth reported £30 million from Southampton. He has won just two trophies during his time at Old Trafford having made 275 appearances while contributing with four goals and 28 assists.