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.

Live from Old Trafford, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has called on manager Erik ten Hag to start newly-signed star Manuel Ugarte in the upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton. With United facing a tough start to the season, Ferdinand believes this is a pivotal match that could dictate the direction of their campaign, and he’s urging Ten Hag to make a bold decision.

The highly-anticipated fixture is scheduled for Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium, and Manchester United desperately needs to pick up three points after suffering back-to-back defeats, including a painful 3-0 loss to Liverpool before the international break. The pressure is mounting on Ten Hag to deliver a strong performance and get the team back on track.

Ferdinand didn’t hold back in his assessment, highlighting that Ugarte could be the difference-maker in this critical match. Speaking to reporters, the former United defender said, “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.”

Ugarte, a summer signing who impressed during the international break for Uruguay, has yet to fully establish himself in the United lineup. However, his recent performances have turned heads, and fans have been clamoring for him to be given a more prominent role in the team. Ferdinand echoed these sentiments, insisting that the Uruguayan midfielder could offer United the creativity and control they’ve been lacking in the middle of the park.

“If he doesn’t start, it’s for two reasons,” Ferdinand continued. “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.”

The former United defender also took aim at Ten Hag’s current tactics, particularly his reliance on Casemiro, who has been underperforming in recent matches. “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.”

Manchester United currently finds itself in an unfamiliar position, sitting 14th in the Premier League table with just one win from their opening three matches. The defeats to Brighton and Liverpool have raised questions about Ten Hag’s approach, and many are now calling for changes to be made.

For Ferdinand, starting Ugarte could be the solution to United’s early-season struggles. “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 pressure builds ahead of Saturday’s fixture, all eyes will be on Ten Hag to see if he takes Ferdinand’s advice and includes Ugarte in the starting lineup. With the club’s season hanging in the balance, it could be a decision that defines not only the match but the direction of Manchester United’s campaign.

Ferdinand’s comments are sure to ignite further debate among fans and pundits alike, as the Red Devils look to find their footing in what has been a challenging start to the 2024-25 Premier League season. Will Ten Hag take the bold step and trust in Ugarte to deliver, or will he stick to his tried-and-tested lineup? Only time will tell, but the stakes couldn’t be higher for Manchester United as they prepare to take on Southampton in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.Rio Ferdinand’s call for Erik ten Hag to start Manuel Ugarte in Manchester United’s upcoming match against Southampton has sparked significant conversation among fans and pundits. With United’s season faltering after a string of disappointing results, Ferdinand believes Ugarte could provide the solution to their midfield issues. He emphasized Ugarte’s potential to be a game-changer, particularly highlighting the Uruguayan’s recent form during the international break.

Ugarte, a summer signing, has impressed with his tactical awareness and strength, but Ten Hag has yet to fully integrate him into the starting lineup. Ferdinand’s criticism of Ten Hag’s tactics, especially his continued reliance on the out-of-form Casemiro, reflects growing concerns about United’s struggles in midfield. Casemiro’s dip in form has led to calls for a fresher approach, and Ugarte is seen by many as the ideal candidate to revitalize United’s play.

The upcoming match against Southampton, crucial for Manchester United to regain momentum, could hinge on Ten Hag’s decision. Ferdinand is clear: if Ugarte starts, he believes United will have the edge. If not, the pressure on Ten Hag will only intensify as United looks to escape a difficult start to the season.