Manchester United’s season has had a bumpy beginning, but after a string of defeats, Erik ten Hag’s side finally claimed their second Premier League win of the season with a victory over Southampton on Saturday.
The Red Devils had to withstand early pressure from Southampton but managed to score three goals, securing a much-needed three points. However, despite the win, their performance was far from perfect, and with an upcoming League Cup clash against Barnsley, it may be wise for Ten Hag to make some changes to the lineup. One adjustment could be resting a player who struggled during the weekend’s match.
A candidate for a brief rest is young talent Kobbie Mainoo. While this isn’t a call for him to be sidelined for several matches, his subpar display against Southampton suggests that giving him a break in tonight’s game could be beneficial. Mainoo’s performance last weekend was far from his best, and this was reflected in ESPN’s Adam Brown rating him a 5/10. Brown noted that the young midfielder had a “difficult match,” particularly struggling with ball progression and frequently losing possession.
The stats from Mainoo’s 96 minutes on the pitch support this critique. He completed less than half of his dribbles, lost possession 14 times, committed two fouls, and failed to deliver an accurate cross during the game. As promising as Mainoo is—he’s been described as a “baller” by U23 scout Antonio Mango—his recent performance suggests that some time on the bench tonight might help him reset.
Additionally, there’s the matter of not overworking such a young player. Mainoo is still early in his career, and overexposing him to too much game time could hinder his development. Resting him against a less formidable opponent like Barnsley would not only give him a break but also allow Ten Hag to rotate the squad and offer another midfield talent some valuable playing time.
Why Manuel Ugarte Should Be Given a Start
When Ten Hag reveals tonight’s lineup, Manuel Ugarte should be in the starting midfield in place of Mainoo for two key reasons. First, managing Mainoo’s minutes is critical to preserving his potential without overburdening him too soon. Second, Ugarte needs more game time to fully integrate into United’s system and sharpen his match fitness.
Although Ugarte has shown he’s physically ready, he might still be catching up in terms of match rhythm and tactical familiarity with the team. Playing him in a League Cup match against a League One side like Barnsley would be the perfect opportunity to get him some competitive minutes without putting too much pressure on him. Ugarte has already demonstrated his fitness during the international break, playing 79 minutes against Paraguay and the full 90 minutes against Venezuela.
Statistically, Ugarte is among Europe’s top midfielders in terms of tackles, interceptions, and other defensive metrics, as reported by FBref. His qualities in the middle of the park would be valuable, and tonight’s game is a low-risk opportunity for him to build on his international performances and settle into his role at United.
In summary, while Mainoo could benefit from a short rest following his recent dip in form, Ugarte needs more minutes on the pitch to adapt to the team. The match against Barnsley presents the ideal scenario for Ten Hag to achieve both objectives—giving Mainoo a break while ensuring Ugarte gets the time he needs to develop in United’s midfield.