Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed that summer arrival Manuel Ugarte will be available to feature against Southampton this weekend.
The Red Devils travel to the newly-promoted Saints on Saturday afternoon, looking to bounce back following a disappointing result prior to the international break.
A Luis Diaz double and a second-half strike from Mohamed Salah sealed a 3-0 victory for Arne Slot's Liverpool at the Theatre of Dreams on September 1.
Since an opening-day success over Fulham, Ten Hag's troops have suffered back-to-back losses, leaving them languishing in 14th position in the Premier League standings.
© Imago
"He is available" - Ugarte debut imminent?
Speaking ahead of this side's trip to the South coast this weekend, Ten Hag provided an update on Ugarte, revealing that the midfielder is in line to make his debut.
"Manuel Ugarte, you will have seen he played for Uruguay, he returned this afternoon [Thursday], he was the only player who returned today, the rest yesterday, so he is available for this game," Ten Hag said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
As alluded to, the 23-year-old has spent the past 10 days on international duty with Uruguay, starting both of his nation's World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Venezuela.
Both of the contests ended in goalless draws, meaning that Uruguay have only lost one of their eight qualifying matches to date, leaving them in a good position as they aim to book their spot at football's biggest tournament in 2026.
Ugarte did not sign in time to make his Man United debut against arch rivals Liverpool, although an appearance at St Mary's now appears highly likely.
© Imago
Shaw and Hojlund "not ready"
On a sourer note for United supporters, Ten Hag has revealed that neither Luke Shaw or Rasmus Hojlund will be walking out onto the field against Southampton on Saturday.
When asked about the injured duo, the Dutch head coach said: "Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw are progressing very well but not ready [for the Southampton game]".
It was originally planned that the pair would be able to play some part against Russell Martin's side, however both of their return dates have now been pushed back.
Hojlund is currently struggling with a hamstring issue, while left-back Shaw is nursing a calf strain, with the former Saints man last featuring for Man United in February.
Carter White
