How Manuel Ugarte took a step forward in Manchester United's game model plan

Manuel Ugarte enjoyed his most fulfilling night yet for Manchester United since his £50.75million deadline day transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte instigated the counter-attack that Christian Eriksen scored from against Fenerbahce and denied Dusan Tadic an equaliser with a goal-saving block eight minutes later.

The 23-year-old had not started in United's previous three matches, having been dropped after the 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham. Casemiro could still replace him against West Ham but United's midfield is so depleted they only have three options as Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Toby Collyer and Dan Gore are all injured.

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“For sure, the six position is a key position in your team, and he has to learn this position in our game model," United manager Erik ten Hag said. “I think today is a step forward, so really pleased with his performance, and from here on he has to build on.

"We have Casemiro. He's doing lately also, again, very good. We have people there who can fill in that role. We have Kobbie and I think Christian Eriksen is doing brilliant in this moment.

“You have to integrate them. He (Ugarte) came late in the window and then we had to integrate him during the competitions, and that takes time. We have to stay patient but, as you see, if the quality in that position is not right it's very difficult for a team to control games, and then I don't even speak about dominating games.

“So, that position needs one who brings the quality all the time, and we have to integrate him now in this team. As I said, I'm