Erik ten Hag has the opportunity to kick-start a Man United career vs Fenerbahce

Manchester United saved their most important signing until last in the summer.

That was how it felt at the time, anyway. Following several weeks of negotiations and talks with Paris Saint-Germain, United wrapped up the signing of Manuel Ugarte on deadline day. He joined the club in a deal initially worth £42.3million, signing a five-year contract.

Throughout last season, United's need for fresh blood in midfield became more and more obvious. Casemiro experienced a staggering decline and finding a long-term successor was a transfer mission the club simply could not afford to fail.

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A flurry of names were linked with the possibility of filling that void at Old Trafford throughout the summer, but Ugarte was the player United identified as the ideal fit. Sporting director Dan Ashworth described the Uruguayan as being 'among the very best ball-winning midfield players in the world'.

Unfortunately for United's supporters, they are yet to have seen evidence of that, largely down to the fact he has struggled to cement his place in the team. He has started just three games since his arrival and has played a full 90 minutes just once.

Although the fact he returned from international duty in South America carrying a small knock ahead of the weekend's victory over Brentford was a contributing factor, he was named among the substitutes for the third game running. He stepped off the bench in the closing stages.

As a result, the 23-year-old has stored just two minutes worth of football under his belt across United's last