Erik ten Hag gives Manuel Ugarte verdict and explains Antony coming on over Amad for Man United

Erik ten Hag felt Manuel Ugarte produced his best performance for Manchester United in their Europa League draw with Fenerbahce.

Ugarte dispossessed Fred to instigate the counter-attack that Christian Eriksen scored from and eight minutes later produced a goal-saving block from Dusan Tadic.

Ten Hag believes Ugarte is starting to "step up" after his £50million transfer deadline day arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

"Yes, I think so. He has to come into the team and it costs time, that six role is very important for every team, such a key position and he has to learn how we play and you only learn by playing," Ten Hag said.

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"You see he takes the lessons well, he's stepping up and I was happy with his performance today."

United are yet to win in their three Europa League games this season and have won one of their last 11 in Europe. They have led in all three of their draws with Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce and are currently 21st in the 36-team Europa League league phase.

Ten Hag remained positive about United's unbeaten start in Europe with five games remaining. "From two tough away games, Porto and Fenerbahce, we take two points, which is a result.

"But, of course, when you are taking the lead, especially the way you concede the goal, starting with the free kick played straight in our block, which shouldn't happen. It's a simple one cross and a goal.

"And before that, we had chances to make a second goal, 2-0 up or afterwards 2-1, but we didn't take our chances. [Marcus Rashford] had a good chance, was good play. Second half also for Rashy when the final pass didn't come on the right foot