Erik ten Hag might have found his new Roy Keane after Man United victory

It cannot be overestimated how important it is for new signings to hit the ground running at any club, never mind Manchester United where the public scrutiny is arguably more intense than anywhere else.

Manuel Ugarte's arrival in the Premier League is no different especially considering the issues United have in the middle of the pitch. What was clear in the opening three matches of the season was that Casemiro was not the man to play that holding midfield role.

Christian Eriksen was given the nod ahead of him to partner Kobbie Mainoo in the centre which caught many by surprise. The lack of time spent with his new teammates prevented Ugarte being the chosen one in defensive midfield but the Reds managed to gain a glimpse into the future in the final 17 minutes of proceedings when the Uruguayan was introduced.

READ MORE: What Ten Hag told Casemiro after Ugarte transfer

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During that cameo, Ugarte managed to integrate himself into the heart of midfield completing 13 of 13 passes for the Reds. While it is only early days for the new signing, Erik ten Hag will be hoping to have found his new Roy Keane.

United have been crying out for an enforcer in the middle of the park and Ugarte is showing early signs that he can do just that. At 23, he may not be as vocal in the dressing room as Keane at the moment, but that will come in time but his style of play should add that grit which has been desperately lacking.

Next steps for Ugarte now will be for him to start for the Reds and perhaps the Carabao Cup clash against Barnsley is the perfect opportunity to do just that.