MARC MY WORDS
Netherlands legend Marco van Basten fumes at ‘idiotic’ Man Utd transfer in new Erik ten Hag blast
Pundit highlighted a key weakness of the signing's game
NETHERLANDS legend Marco van Basten has slammed new Manchester United signing Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguayan was signed this summer in an attempt to solve United's midfield problems.
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Ugarte, 23, started his first Premier League match in the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.
He was criticised for his performance as Spurs overran United's midfield and produced 24 shots on goal, including an xG of 5.33.
Van Basten slammed Ugarte and suggested he was walking around, and highlighted his poor display as yet another example of poor investment by Erik ten Hag.
He told : "I saw a new player walking around at Manchester United, (Manuel) Ugarte, for £42.3m.
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"How is this guy walking around there? It's idiotic how much (Ten Hag) has decided to invest in players who are not even good."
Ugarte struggled up against James Maddison and his poor positioning was constantly exposed by Ange Postecoglou's side.
He also failed to get United going in possession before being taken off for Christian Eriksen in the 72nd minute.
Ten Hag's transfer business has been called into question following the latest defeat with six starters against Spurs being signed by the Dutchman.
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Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana - 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through - no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui - 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt - 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez - 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot - 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte - 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo - 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford - 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes - 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho - 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee - 5
Looked completely lost up front - threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
He also brought through Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho from the academy but United have struggled in the league, winning just five of their previous 16 Prem games dating back to last season.
In their last 15 league games Ten Hag's side have picked up just 19 points - less than strugglers Everton who have managed 21 points.
Manchester United vs Tottenham Player Ratings
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