Erik ten Hag believes Manuel Ugarte now has a platform to build on after the midfielder produced his best performance in a Manchester United shirt since his £52million summer arrival.
Ten Hag moved on from Scott McTominay, who went to Napoli, and Sofyan Amrabat, who ended up at Fenerbahce, to spend big on Ugarte late in the transfer window.
But a struggling display against Tottenham saw the 23-year-old come under scrutiny and he has found it difficult to get regular minutes in the team, only playing 90 minutes twice, one of which came against Fenerbahce.
After a combative display against Fenerbahce on Thursday night, in which he made a goal-saving block on Dusan Tadic, Ten Hag is convinced his big-money buy now has the confidence to go and shine.
‘I think today is a step forward, so I’m really pleased with his performance, and from here on he has to build on,’ Ten Hag said.
Erik ten Hag said Manuel Ugarte’s display vs Fenerbahce can kickstart his Man United career
Ugrate produced a strong display in the Europa League clash and made a goal-saving block
Ugarte has endured a stuttering start to life at Old Trafford, and struggled against Tottenham
‘You have to integrate [players]. He came late in 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 [No 6] 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 pleased with his performance today and from here on he can build up.’
Since the humiliating 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham, Ten Hag has overseen three away draws – Porto, Aston Villa and Fenerbahce – as well as a come-from-behind win at home to Brentford.
Asked if he has seen a reaction from his players and signs of progress amid the club’s worst ever start to a Premier League season after seven games, the Dutchman remained bullish.
‘I deny that [Tottenham] game, [I] ignore that game against Spurs because we were downsized to 10 with a 1-0 losing position and then the red card was overturned, so I totally ignore that game,’ Ten Hag said.
Ten Hag hailed his team’s resilience as they moved to four games unbeaten after a dismal start
‘That is not a fair assessment to the team, to take this into consideration, because we didn’t have the chance to bounce back.
‘But you see this team is resilient, this team is determined.
‘On Brentford but in the tough two tough away games now in Europe – Porto and today again – this team has character and this team showed fighting spirit and determination to win games.’
United stayed overnight in Turkey following the draw and will fly to London today before training on Saturday ahead of facing West Ham on Sunday.
Ten Hag was without 10 players for the Istanbul trip – nine out through injury and Bruno Fernandes was suspended – and he saw £82m winger Antony leave the stadium on crutches as well as in a protective boot.
The Brazilian winger was taken off on a stretcher after picking up an injury late on and he is a major doubt to be involved.
The Dutchman has more injury troubles to deal with after Antony was taken off on a stretcher
Ten Hag will welcome Fernandes back into the fold and he is also hopeful of Jonny Evans being fit enough to play.
‘We have to be ready,’ he concluded. ‘A short turnaround and we expect of course Bruno back, and hopefully also Jonny Evans.’