Manuel Ugarte sends Antony message after being dropped by Erik ten Hag for Man United

Manuel Ugarte has shared a photograph of himself in Manchester United training on social media, after being benched by Erik ten Hag in Thursday’s 3-3 draw with Porto.

The Uruguay star has struggled to find form in his first five games at United and failed to get onto the pitch in the midweek Europa League tie. His first Premier League start came in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, in which he was brought off after 73 minutes.

He has completed a full 90 minutes just once thus far, the 1-1 draw with Twente in Europe, with his only other line-up inclusion being his full debut in the 7-0 Carabao Cup thrashing of League One outfit Barnsley a week prior.

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Casemiro, whose start to the season was particularly criticised in the 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool four weeks ago, was chosen to play the full match on Thursday ahead of £42million summer arrival Ugarte.

The player has shared a photo of him sitting on a ball in United training on Friday (see feature image) as the team prepared for Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa, who defeated Bayern Munich in Wednesday's home Champions League bout.

Ugarte will be hoping to build on his Premier League minutes at Villa Park, having accumulated just over 100 so far. Despite his form, Ugarte has still had exceedingly more league game time than teammate Antony, who has only been afforded a late cameo against Brighton in August.

The Brazilian has made just two further appearances in other competitions so far, with his sole start being in the win over Barnsley. A 25-minute substitute appearance against Porto is the only other