“It takes a little time to adapt” - Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte issues tactical advice to Erik ten Hag following poor Uruguay display

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has spoken about his struggles in an unfamiliar position on international duty with the Uruguay national team. The 23-year-old midfielder was played at centre-back as his side lost 1-0 to Peru in their FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday in Lima.

Ugarte joined the Red Devils this summer from PSG after a lengthy pursuit of his services by the Premier League giants. The Uruguay international has started his career at Old Trafford in shaky form as the club has won only two of his five games so far.

Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa named Ugarte at centre-back in a back three for the game against Peru, and the midfielder did not have the best game. After the game, he spoke with ESPN about the position he played in, discussing the problems he faced at centre-back. He said (via Mirror):

"It was not a good match. We did not play well, it was a shame because I still believe that we are much better, but the match was ugly for us. The dressing room was strong before the match, the atmosphere was nice, but little by little we faded and we did not show good things in the match."

"Everyone can play and has the conditions to do so, but many times, when changing players it takes a little [time] to adapt. It is not an excuse either, the team's performance dropped. We need to go deeper, as we saw against Peru, we have to keep working."

"Honestly, I felt good with the ball, but I lack certain things as a defender. These are things that always enrich a player and we will see what happens on Tuesday."

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been known to play midfielders in defense on occasion, as he did with Casemiro last season. With the likes of Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire out injured, the manager could turn to Ugarte to provide cover in the position.

Manchester United ace returns to action with Sweden national team

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof was in action for the Sweden national team as they drew 2-2 against Slovakia. The centre-back was a second-half substitute for his country in their UEFA Nations League game on Friday.

Lindelof had been out since the end of the 2023-24 season before returning as a substitute for his first appearance of the season against Aston Villa on October 6. The 30-year-old was called up by the Sweden national team, where he is captain, and featured against Slovakia.

Now in the final year of his contract, the former Benfica man will hope to get regular minutes and possibly earn a new deal. His return to action will be pleasing to Erik ten Hag, seeing the number of injuries Manchester United are currently dealing with in defense.