Manchester United have already dropped unpopular Manuel Ugarte debut hint

Manchester United fans will be eagerly awaiting an opportunity to watch summer signing Manuel Ugarte in action when they return from the international break.

The Uruguayan was signed in the final hours of deadline day, meaning he missed the registration deadline to make his first United appearance during the weekend defeat to Liverpool.

United's shambolic midfield showing has already put a lot of pressure on Ugarte to be a saviour, and while he looks a fantastic addition to the squad, Erik ten Hag will also have to adjust the system to get the best out of him.

Ugarte will be in contention to make his first United appearance when they face Southampton a week on Saturday, but Ten Hag has already hinted he might be a substitute for that match, given he has yet to play a second of competitive club football this season.

"So this is another one, we have to build him into the team," he said after the defeat to Liverpool. "It will take time, so it's not like I'm Harry Potter. That is what you have to acknowledge. And if you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn't play so far in the season. Not one match minute. He needs to build his fitness and then we have to build him in the team."

Ugarte has only trained with his new United teammates once since signing and will be away on international duty during the next two weeks as Uruguay face Paraguay and Venezuela in World Cup qualification.

It is most likely he will start on the substitute’s bench at St. Mary’s and gradually be eased into Premier League action.