Ten Hag details the five things that made him and INEOS want to sign ‘absolute machine’ at Old Trafford

Based on Erik ten Hag’s pre-Crystal Palace press conference comments, Manuel Ugarte is poised to make his first Premier League start this evening.

The Old Trafford faithful have had to be patient in waiting to see their deadline-day acquisition in action, with his significant lack of pre-season training prompting club chiefs to take caution with his inclusion in the XI.

Ugarte finished third-placed with Uruguay at the Copa America in July, starting all six of their matches and featuring for a total of 494 minutes throughout. Then, when he returned to Paris Saint-Germain, he was omitted from Luis Enrique’s squad for the opening fixtures of the campaign, as the expectation was that he’d be completing a move away before the window closed.

And that he did. He signed for the Reds in a deal worth £50.5 million and was unveiled to supporters ahead of the clash with Liverpool on September 1, having not been registered in time to play. 

The 23-year-old – previously hailed as an ‘absolute machine’ – proceeded to make a 17-minute cameo off the bench against Southampton last weekend before making his maiden start in the midweek Carabao Cup tie versus Barnsley, featuring for 62 minutes. 

Read more: Utd fans learn early team news after trusted reporter claims ‘exceptional talent’ will be on bench vs Palace

Ten Hag confirmed that Ugarte, despite his lack of training sessions, now ‘has a start in him’, leading fans to assume that their final summer recruit will be deployed from the off at Selhurst Park.

Ten Hag illustrates what makes Ugarte such a special coup

Speaking with Sky Sports ahead of kick-off, the manager detailed the factors of Ugarte’s game that he expects will aid the side throughout the campaign. 

“I think he shows leadership,” the Dutchman began. “A good communicator. He is very good in positions, good interceptions and anticipating. And that is an area of the team that we really need.”