They rather sack me…I won’t stop starting him, never”: Erik ten Hag says he’ll never drop the £67m star who the fans sees as the only problem stopping the club’s progress- BOARD also want the player out

Manchester United are preparing to give Manuel Ugarte his debut appearance as they face Southampton in a highly anticipated Premier League clash on Saturday. This game comes at a critical juncture for the Red Devils, who are reeling from a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to fierce rivals Liverpool. That loss has compounded their troubles at the start of the season, as Erik ten Hag’s side has struggled to find its footing, suffering consecutive defeats. The pressure is mounting on Ten Hag to halt this alarming slide, and significant changes are expected in the squad as the Dutchman searches for the winning formula.

The trip south to St. Mary’s Stadium offers United a potential lifeline, but it won’t be an easy task. Southampton, while also enduring a miserable start to the season with no points from their first three games, will be desperate to turn their fortunes around on home soil. United’s forward line has been misfiring in recent matches, leading Ten Hag to reconsider his attacking options. Joshua Zirkzee, who has impressed in training, is expected to lead the line, while Amad is also tipped to feature, providing the attacking support that has been sorely lacking.

One of the biggest talking points heading into this fixture is the potential omission of Casemiro from the starting lineup. The Brazilian midfielder, who was a key player last season, had a game to forget against Liverpool. His performance was marred by costly mistakes, with two of the three goals conceded being directly linked to his errors. As a result, Ten Hag is likely to drop Casemiro in favor of new signing Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder, who arrived in a last-minute transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to slot into the midfield and provide fresh energy and discipline that has been missing in recent matches.

Ugarte’s inclusion represents a bold move from Ten Hag, who is keen to shake things up in a squad that has looked disjointed and bereft of confidence. The midfield battle will be crucial against Southampton, and Ugarte’s ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively could be key to United regaining control in the center of the pitch. His introduction also signifies Ten Hag’s willingness to make tough decisions, even if it means sidelining seasoned players like Casemiro.

Off the pitch, Ten Hag has been under increasing scrutiny from fans and pundits alike, with many questioning whether his tactics and squad selections are appropriate for the challenges ahead. However, the Dutchman remains unfazed by the criticism, maintaining that the club is still in the midst of a transition. In a recent press conference, he was adamant that his team’s struggles are part of a broader process of rebuilding. “It doesn’t affect me,” Ten Hag said confidently. “I understand the process we’re in, what we need to do, and the direction we’re heading.” Ten Hag also stressed that it is far too early in the season to draw any definitive conclusions. “We’ll see where we stand by May next year,” he remarked, reminding fans that the ultimate goal remains to win trophies and finish as high as possible in the league. His focus, for now, is squarely on improving the team’s performances in the short term. He added, “We’re aiming to win every game, and come May, we’ll assess where we are and make judgments accordingly.”

As the match against Southampton looms, it is clear that much is at stake for Manchester United. A victory could provide the momentum they need to turn their season around, while another defeat would only increase the pressure on Ten Hag and his players. The introduction of Ugarte and the reshuffling of the attack with Zirkzee and Amad demonstrate the manager’s intent to change course. Whether these adjustments will bear fruit remains to be seen, but the importance of this fixture cannot be overstated.

In the grander scheme, this moment represents a pivotal point for Manchester United. Having endured years of inconsistency and managerial turnover, the club is desperate to find stability and return to its former glory. Ten Hag’s vision is centered on long-term success, integrating young talents into the squad and building a team capable of competing on all fronts. However, patience is wearing thin among fans who are eager for immediate results, and the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether the team can navigate this transitional period successfully.

Ultimately, the game against Southampton serves as a litmus test for Ten Hag’s project. If the changes he implements result in a positive performance and, more importantly, a win, it could buy him time and goodwill from supporters. On the other hand, a continuation of poor form would likely see the pressure intensify. Either way, Saturday’s match could mark a turning point, setting the tone for what lies ahead in a season that has already been fraught with challenges.