October 1st 2024.
Erik ten Hag finds himself in a familiar situation once again - battling to save his job as Manchester United's manager. The team's poor start to the new season has raised concerns among fans and critics alike. And, adding fuel to the fire, Dutch football legend Marco van Basten has openly criticized United's headline summer signing, Manuel Ugarte, questioning ten Hag's decision to bring him on board.
Ugarte, a 23-year-old midfielder from Uruguay, joined the Red Devils in a high-profile £42 million deal after a lengthy transfer saga. With just one season at Paris Saint-Germain under his belt, he was known for his tough tackling skills during his time at Sporting Lisbon. But, after a slow start to his debut at Old Trafford, he faced heavy criticism for his sluggish performance, including a booking and a mistake that led to Tottenham's opening goal. Van Basten, who was watching the game, couldn't wrap his head around why United would spend so much money on a player who seemed out of place in the fast-paced English football scene.
"I saw a new player walking around at Manchester United, Ugarte, for €50M!" Van Basten exclaimed. "How is this guy walking around there? It's idiotic how much he [Ten Hag] has decided to invest in players who are not even good!"
But, Ugarte was not the only United player to receive harsh criticism from the former Milan striker. Van Basten also had harsh words for Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, questioning the team's overall lack of top players. He pointed out Bruno Fernandes as a good player and Onana as a good goalkeeper, but couldn't name any other top players in the team.
Meanwhile, ten Hag's job is on the line with just two games to prove himself. This comes just two months after United's new backroom team showed their trust in him and rejected potential replacements. But with a disappointing draw in their Europa League opener and a tough match against Villa, who are proving to be top four contenders, the pressure is mounting for ten Hag to turn things around.
Despite the turmoil surrounding United, fans remain hopeful for a better future. Keep up with the latest news and analysis on Manchester United by signing up for updates and be a part of our community. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
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