Manchester United’s season has had a challenging start, but following a string of defeats, Erik ten Hag’s team managed to secure their second Premier League victory of the year with a win against Southampton on Saturday.
The Red Devils endured early pressure from Southampton before eventually finding their rhythm and scoring three goals to claim all three points. This win is seen as a crucial step in reversing their recent fortunes.
However, despite the victory, the performance was far from perfect. With a League Cup match against Barnsley coming up, it would be wise for Ten Hag to consider making some adjustments, including possibly resting a player who had a poor performance over the weekend.
One such player is the emerging talent Kobbie Mainoo. While it’s not suggested that he should miss several games, sitting out tonight’s match could be beneficial for him. Mainoo’s underwhelming performance did not escape notice, as ESPN’s Adam Brown rated him a 5/10, noting that the teenager had a “difficult match” with struggles in ball progression and frequent possession losses.
Mainoo’s statistics from his 96-minute appearance reinforce this critique. He failed to complete 50% of his dribbles, lost possession 14 times, committed two fouls, and inaccurately delivered his only cross.
Given the promising potential referred to by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Mainoo’s recent performance was below his usual standard, highlighting the need for him to be rested for tonight’s game.
Resting Mainoo is also important to prevent overplaying him at such a young age. It provides Ten Hag with an opportunity to give another midfield talent some valuable game time against a less formidable opponent.
**The Case for Manuel Ugarte**
When the lineups for tonight’s match are announced, Manuel Ugarte should be considered for the midfield role in place of Mainoo for two main reasons.
Firstly, it is crucial to manage Mainoo’s playing time effectively. While he has significant potential, playing him excessively could hinder his development.
Secondly, Ugarte, despite showing physical readiness, might still be in the process of catching up on match sharpness and tactical understanding. Introducing him to competitive matches soon is the best way to integrate him into the team’s setup.
Although it might seem risky to start Ugarte in a league match, the game against Barnsley, a team currently in League One, represents a manageable opportunity even if Ugarte is not yet fully in sync with the team.
Furthermore, Ugarte has demonstrated his fitness through strong performances during the international break, playing 79 minutes against Paraguay and a full 90 minutes against Venezuela. His impressive statistics, according to FBref, rank him among the top midfielders in Europe for tackles, interceptions, and other key metrics.
In conclusion, after a less-than-ideal performance from Mainoo, a period of rest might be beneficial for him. Simultaneously, Ugarte needs more playtime to adapt to his role at United. The upcoming fixture against Barnsley offers Ten Hag the ideal opportunity to address both these needs.
