BREAKING NEWS: Coming live from Old Trafford, Manchester United Ex-player urges ten hag to start new signee star against Southampton to be victorious. Ferdinand has called on Erik ten hag to start star player in their upcoming Premier League clash between man utd and Southampton. The match is slated for Saturday at ST. Mary’s. He said, “This is a massive game. He needs to start against Southampton he is being so underrated and ten hag is being stupidly professional. He has that spark to change a game just like he did in the Euros qualifier. if he doesn’t start it’s for two reasons it’s either he’s not the coach we need or they want to give away the match to Southampton clear. “It’s a big game” he needs to be in the starting lineup ahead of casemiro Ferdinand warns.

Broadcasting live from Old Trafford, Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has urged manager Erik ten Hag to field new recruit Manuel Ugarte in the forthcoming Premier League fixture against Southampton. Ferdinand views this game as crucial, given United’s challenging season opener, and is advocating for Ten Hag to make a daring choice.

The eagerly awaited match is set for Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium, with Manchester United in dire need of securing three points after experiencing consecutive losses, including a distressing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break. The pressure on Ten Hag to deliver a solid performance and stabilize the team is increasing.

Ferdinand was candid in his critique, suggesting Ugarte could be pivotal in this key game. Addressing the media, the ex-United defender commented, “This is a massive game. He [Ugarte] needs to start against Southampton. He is being so underrated, and Ten Hag is being stupidly professional by not using him the way he should. Ugarte has that spark to change a game, just like he did in the Euros qualifier.”

Although Ugarte, who impressed for Uruguay during the international break, has not yet solidified his place in the United squad, his recent performances have generated significant interest. Fans are eager for him to assume a more central role, and Ferdinand agrees that Ugarte could bring the creativity and control United has been missing in midfield.

“If he doesn’t start, it’s for two reasons,” Ferdinand added. “It’s either he’s not the coach we need, or they want to give away the match to Southampton. It’s that clear. He has everything—vision, strength, tactical awareness, and the ability to drive the team forward. This is the kind of game where he could shine, and we can’t afford to miss out on that.”

Ferdinand also criticized Ten Hag’s current tactics, particularly his dependence on Casemiro, who has been underwhelming recently. “It’s a big game, and Ugarte needs to be in the starting lineup ahead of Casemiro,” Ferdinand warned. “Casemiro has been fantastic in the past, but this season, he’s been off the pace. Ugarte offers something different, something fresh, and that’s exactly what we need right now.”

Currently, Manchester United is in an unusual position, standing 14th in the Premier League table with just one win from their first three games. Defeats to Brighton and Liverpool have raised concerns about Ten Hag’s strategy, and there is growing pressure for adjustments.

For Ferdinand, starting Ugarte could be key to addressing United’s early-season issues. “We’re not just talking about one game here. This is about setting a tone for the season. If Ten Hag wants to push for Champions League football, these are the matches we have to win. Ugarte can be the player to lead that charge.”

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Ten Hag to see if he heeds Ferdinand’s advice and includes Ugarte in the starting eleven. With the season’s trajectory hanging in the balance, this decision could significantly impact not only the game but the overall direction of Manchester United’s season.

Ferdinand’s remarks are likely to spark further discussion among fans and analysts as the Red Devils seek to regain their momentum in what has been a tough start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. Will Ten Hag make the bold choice to trust Ugarte, or will he stick with his usual lineup? Only time will reveal the outcome, but the stakes are undoubtedly high for Manchester United as they gear up to face Southampton.