Ahead of the match against Liverpool, Manchester United fans got a glimpse of their new £50 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain, Manuel Ugarte.
He was warmly welcomed by the home crowd at Old Trafford. However, the anticipation for Ugarte’s debut is high as United struggled in the first half of the game, largely due to Casemiro’s poor performance.
Casemiro, who has been under scrutiny, had a particularly tough 45 minutes. He was responsible for costly errors that led directly to Liverpool’s two goals. His inability to retain possession and his mistakes on the field highlighted the need for a stronger defensive presence.
Erik ten Hag, clearly frustrated with Casemiro’s performance, decided to substitute him at halftime, bringing on 20-year-old Toby Collyer. This move came after Casemiro’s actions had inadvertently contributed to United’s struggles and the loss of three points to their arch-rivals.
Casemiro’s inclusion in the starting lineup this season has been questionable, and the club’s failure to secure Ugarte before the transfer deadline has compounded the issue.
United missed the opportunity to register Ugarte in time for the match against Liverpool. Although Ugarte was not in peak condition, having last played for Uruguay in the Copa America in July, his presence could have provided the much-needed reinforcement in midfield.
This situation underscores the urgency for United to address their midfield issues and make strategic improvements, particularly with the challenges they face in the current season.
