'The truth is' - Manuel Ugarte issues fitness update ahead of possible Manchester United debut next week

Manchester United summer signing Manuel Ugarte insists he feels 'very good' despite not playing a single second of club football this season.

The Uruguayan completed his move to United on deadline day but was not registered in time to feature in the Premier League clash with Liverpool at the weekend.

Even if he had been available, Erik ten Hag suggested he might not have started the game anyway, given he has yet to play any club football this season after being frozen out by former club Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte could get some match sharpness while he is away with the Uruguay national side this week and will be in contention to make his United debut when they travel to face Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium a week on Saturday.

“I’m very happy, very hungry and very excited,” he said upon his arrival with the Uruguayan national team. “I feel very good, the truth is that I haven't played many minutes since the season began, but physically I feel very good.”

The 23-year-old watched on from the stands as United were beaten comfortably by Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, and despite the worrying performance, he insists he is very excited to be part of the project.

He added: “The new [co-]owners came and are changing many things. The project, honestly, it's very good. I love the atmosphere there on a daily basis. There is desire to succeed in that team and that encourages me to go further. That’s important.”