Manchester United boss Ten Hag explains why he benched Manuel Ugarte vs Southampton

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag left new signing Manuel Ugarte out of the starting XI for the Premier League clash against Southampton on Saturday (September 14). The manager has provided an explanation for his action, as the midfielder was named on the bench for the first time.

Ugarte was a late summer addition to the Red Devils, joining the club from French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after just a season in France. The 23-year-old midfielder was declared unfit by ten Hag two weeks ago, as he had not participated in pre-season before joining Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag named Ugarte on the bench for the game against the newly promoted side, despite leaving veteran midfielder Casemiro on the bench. The Dutch manager explained to the press that the player needs time to integrate as he has not participated fully in training.

“He's only participated in two sessions and not even full sessions. He doesn't know everyone and needs time to integrate. I can't say if he can debut today or not. It depends on the match and how it goes," he said.

Manuel Ugarte was left out of the squad for the Red Devils' most recent league game, a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break. The midfielder was, however, called up to the Uruguay national team for their September internationals, and featured for his country.

Ugarte returned to the UK after a long flight and joined up with the squad on Thursday at Carrington. The midfielder is on the bench for the game at St. Mary's, with Christian Eriksen handed a start in the game, his first of the season.

Manchester United drop Argentine star from XI for Southampton

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opted to start Ivorian forward Amad Diallo for the Premier League game against Southampton. The former Ajax boss chose to leave Argentine youngster Alejandro Garnacho on the bench for the clash on the South Coast.

Diallo scored for the Red Devils in their second league game of the season, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion. He was dropped for the defeat at home to Liverpool, with Garnacho starting on the right of the attacking trident.

Garnacho, like Ugarte, only returned to training on Thursday after featuring for Argentina during the international break. The decision to leave him on the bench from the start may have been tactical, or may have been due to the player needing protection following the week's exertions.