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Manchester United are set to face Southampton this afternoon, in a clash which Erik ten Hag will be desperate to win after a slow start to the campaign.
His side have suffered defeats at the hands of Brighton and Liverpool so far this season, and failing to pick up three points at St. Mary’s would see further questions raised of the manager.
Ten Hag has confirmed that Manuel Ugarte is available for the trip to the south coast, though it remains to be seen whether the Uruguayan international is handed his debut after his public backing of Casemiro.
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United make a slow start at St Mary’s
United are growing into their game with Southampton after a slow start.
The Saints dominated the opening 10 minutes of the clash and almost took the lead through debutant Tyler Dibling, but the Red Devils have grown into the game.
Joshua Zirkzee almost gave United the lead against the run of play when latching onto a cross from Amad Diallo, but his effort was saved by Aaron Ramsdale.
Ten Hag refuses to confirm Ugarte debut
Erik ten Hag has said that he is unsure whether Manuel Ugarte will make his Manchester United debut today.
The Uruguay international has been named on the bench against Southampton, with Christian Eriksen replacing Casemiro in midfield.
Asked about the decision not to start Ugarte, Ten Hag said: “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.”
Manuel Ugarte has been named on the United bench
Ten Hag makes two big calls for Southampton clash
Erik ten Hag has made two big calls for United’s clash with Southampton this afternoon.
Casemiro has been dropped following his poor performance against Liverpool, with Christian Eriksen stepping in to replace the Brazil international.
Amad Diallo has also returned to Ten Hag’s starting eleven, with Alejandro Garnacho dropping to the bench.
\ud83d\udea8 Presenting your United squad for today\u2019s lunchtime kick-off! \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f\u26bd\ufe0f#MUFC || #SOUMUN
\u2014 Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 14, 2024
Emery told he could manage Man Utd
Tim Sherwood has revealed that he believes Unai Emery has what it takes to manage Manchester United.
The Spaniard has impressed since taking charge of Aston Villa, recently penning a bumper deal with the club.
But ex-Spurs boss Sherwood feels that he is capable of thriving at Old Trafford.
He told OLBG: “Unai Emery certainly has the credentials to be a future Manchester United manager, but Aston Villa would do everything they can not to lose him and I don’t think he’d be interested in leaving to take that job.
“Aston Villa, they’ve given him everything. They’ve given the sporting director what he wants as well. He’s pretty much running the club from top to bottom. And why wouldn’t they?
“He is a dream manager and Villa are right to trust him, it would be difficult to prise him away now, but certainly he looks like a man to me who’s very level -headed and can handle the big pressure.”
Arsenal join race for ex-United star
Arsenal are the latest side to be linked with Lille playmaker Angel Gomes.
The midfielder has been cited as a target for several Premier League clubs this week, with a return to Manchester United not being ruled out either.
Though CaughtOffside report that Arsenal are leading the charge to secure the signature of the England international.
Gomes is out of contract at the end of the season and could be available for a cut-price fee in January.
Man Utd shortlist second free agent target
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Davy Klaassen.
The Daily Star report that the ex-Ajax star has been shortlisted as a potential Casemiro replacement by the higher powers at Old Trafford.
Klaassen is currently a free agent after being released by Inter Milan, with several sides around Europe monitoring his situation closely. Fellow free agent Adrien Rabiot has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as well.
Davy Klaassen has been linked with United
Tyrell Malacia return in sight
Erik ten Hag has provided a positive injury update on Tyrell Malacia.
The left-back has not played competitively since May last year due to a knee issue which required multiple surgeries, but he is now edging closer to a return to the pitch.
Asked about the defender on Friday, Ten Hag said: “”Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away.
“Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment. He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural. I expect also, soon, he can return into games then.”
Ten Hag reveals Casemiro talks
Erik ten Hag has revealed that he has spoken with Casemiro about his role at Manchester United this season.
The Red Devils forked out £50million to sign Manuel Ugarte from PSG over the summer to solve their midfield woes, and he is expected to make his debut later today.
However, Ten Hag still retains belief in Casemiro and the Brazil international is expected to continue featuring regularly.
The Dutchman explained: “You definitely need him, for sure.
“Of course, I speak with him about the situation. Everyone can have a bad at the office – have you never had a bad day at the office?”
Rashford’s camp hits out at ex-United stars
Marcus Rashford reportedly feels that he is being ‘bullied’ by former Manchester United stars.
According to i, those within the England international’s camp believe that the winger is struggling with comments from ex-professionals.
One source reportedly said: “When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it’s different. Very different. The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes (matters) worse.”
Another added: “He is a local lad from Manchester living out his dream. So why can people not get off his back? Some support from somewhere might help him get back to his best. Without that, and with these ex-players unable to contain themselves when he does the slightest thing wrong, it only makes things harder for him.”
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Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1948428/Man-Utd-news-LIVE-Marcus-Rashford-Erik-ten-Hag-Casemiro