Manchester United’s season has gotten off to a shaky start, with inconsistent performances and back-to-back defeats casting doubt on Erik ten Hag’s ability to turn things around. However, the Red Devils found some relief by securing their second Premier League victory of the season with a hard-fought win over Southampton last Saturday. Despite the much-needed result, the performance raised more questions than answers, as the team struggled to assert dominance for much of the match.
United faced early pressure from a determined Southampton side, who looked dangerous in the opening exchanges. However, three well-taken goals helped Erik ten Hag’s men claim all three points, providing a glimmer of hope that this could mark the beginning of a resurgence in their form. Yet, the win was far from convincing, as defensive lapses and lack of control in midfield made it evident that significant improvements are still required.
Looking ahead to their upcoming League Cup clash against Barnsley, Ten Hag might be considering a few changes to his starting lineup, particularly to manage the fatigue and form of his younger players. One player who could benefit from a break is Kobbie Mainoo, a promising young talent who, despite his potential, had a challenging outing against Southampton. The suggestion is not to bench him for an extended period but rather to give him a night off to recover and regain his sharpness.
Mainoo’s performance against Southampton was below his usual high standards. Even pundits like ESPN’s Adam Brown noticed his struggles, awarding him a 5/10 rating and highlighting his difficulties in moving the ball forward and maintaining possession. The teenager was dispossessed multiple times during the game, a stat that underscores his need for a reset. In his 96 minutes on the pitch, he completed only 50% of his dribbles, lost possession 14 times, committed two fouls, and failed to connect his only cross attempt. These numbers reveal a young player who was not at his best and could benefit from some time off to reflect and recharge.
Mainoo, praised by U23 scout Antonio Mango as a “baller,” clearly has immense potential, but like any young player, he will have off days. Resting him for the match against Barnsley isn’t about punishing him but rather protecting him from burnout. Overplaying young talents can lead to physical and mental fatigue, potentially stalling their development. Instead, this match could provide the perfect opportunity for another midfielder to step up and showcase their abilities.
This brings us to Manuel Ugarte, a summer signing who is yet to make a significant impact at United but seems ready to step into the spotlight. There are two clear reasons why Ugarte should start tonight’s game. Firstly, it’s crucial to manage Mainoo’s playing time carefully. The young midfielder has a long career ahead of him, and there’s no need to rush or risk overloading him at this stage of the season. Giving him a rest against a lower-league opponent would allow him to recharge for future matches.
Secondly, Ugarte himself needs minutes on the pitch to get up to speed with Erik ten Hag’s tactical demands. The Uruguayan has already proven his physical readiness during the international break, where he played 79 minutes against Paraguay and a full 90 minutes against Venezuela. His performances during these matches suggest he’s fit and eager to contribute. While it may be risky to start him in a high-stakes Premier League match immediately, a cup game against a League One side like Barnsley provides the perfect environment for him to build match sharpness.
Ugarte’s statistical profile further justifies his inclusion in the lineup. According to FBref, the 23-year-old ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles and interceptions. He’s also in the top 2% for tackles won and dribblers tackled, the top 4% for ball recoveries, and the top 5% for pass completion. These numbers suggest that he could bring much-needed defensive solidity to United’s midfield, a quality that was sorely lacking in their recent performances.
With his ability to disrupt opposition attacks and recover the ball efficiently, Ugarte could be the perfect foil to United’s more creative midfielders. And while he may not yet have fully integrated into Ten Hag’s system, the best way for him to do so is through match experience. A League Cup match against a less formidable opponent like Barnsley would allow him to gain confidence and understanding of his role within the team without the intense pressure of a Premier League fixture.
Football pundit Tim Sherwood also chimed in on the discussion, urging Ten Hag to make the switch. Sherwood emphasized that Mainoo’s performance against Southampton was far from what the club needs at this moment, especially considering his 14 losses of possession. According to Sherwood, “Drop him tonight. He is not the same young lad that we used to know. His performance has declined seriously, and he needs to reevaluate and check himself. Replace him with the ‘monster’ in your squad, and tonight will definitely go in your favor.” Sherwood’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that Mainoo’s form has dipped and that the young midfielder would benefit from a breather.
In conclusion, resting Kobbie Mainoo and giving Manuel Ugarte a chance to start in tonight’s League Cup match seems like a well-balanced plan for Erik ten Hag. It allows Mainoo to take a step back and recuperate while giving Ugarte the opportunity to integrate into the squad and gain valuable match fitness. Against a lower-league opponent, this approach should not only benefit the individuals involved but also strengthen United’s overall performance, ensuring they progress to the next round of the competition.