Erik ten Hag believes Manuel Ugarte now has a platform to build on after the midfielder put in his best performance in a Manchester United shirt since his £52million summer arrival.
Ten Hag made the move 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 during a difficult performance against Tottenham, the 23-year-old came under scrutiny and found it difficult to get regular minutes in the team. He only played 90 minutes twice, one of which was against Fenerbahce.
After a combative performance against Fenerbahce on Thursday evening, in which he blocked Dusan Tadic with a goal, Ten Hag is convinced that his expensive purchase now has the confidence to shine.
“I think today is a step forward, so I’m very happy with his performance and he has to build further from now on,” said Ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag stressed that Manuel Ugarte’s performance against Fenerbahce could be the catalyst to kick-start his career at Man United
Ugrate showed a strong performance in the Europa League match, making a goal-saving block during the 1-1 draw
Ugarte made a stuttering start at Old Trafford and struggled in the humiliating defeat to Spurs last month
‘You have to integrate [players]. He came into the window late and then we had to integrate him during the matches, and that takes time.
‘We have to remain patient, but as you can see, if the quality in that position is not right, it is very difficult for a team to control games, not to mention dominate games.
‘So that [No 6] This position needs someone who always delivers the quality, and we need to integrate him into this team now.
‘Like I said, I’m happy with his performance today and he can continue to build from now on.’
Since the humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, Ten Hag has three away games to his name: Porto, Aston Villa and Fenerbahce, as well as a come-from-behind win at home against Brentford.
Asked whether he has seen a reaction from his players and signs of progress during the club’s worst ever start to a Premier League season after seven games, the Dutchman remained optimistic.
‘I deny that [Tottenham] game, [I] “I ignore that game against Spurs because we were reduced to 10 when we lost 1-0 and then the red card was reversed, so I completely ignore that game,” said Ten Hag.
Ten Hag praised his team’s resilience as they moved to four games unbeaten after a dismal start to the season
“That’s not a fair assessment for the team to take into consideration because we didn’t have the opportunity to come back.
“But you see this team is resilient, this team is determined.
‘At Brentford, but in the two tough away games now in Europe – Porto and again today – this team has character and this team showed fighting spirit and determination to win games.’
United stayed overnight in Turkey after the draw and will fly to London today before training on Saturday before facing West Ham on Sunday.
Ten Hag were without ten players for the trip to Istanbul (nine out through injury and Bruno Fernandes was suspended) and saw £82million winger Antony leave the stadium on crutches and in a protective boot.
The Brazilian winger was taken off on a stretcher after suffering an injury late in the afternoon and his involvement is in serious doubt.
The Dutchman is again suffering from injuries after Antony was taken away on a stretcher on Thursday
Ten Hag will welcome Fernandes back to the team and he is also hopeful that Jonny Evans will be fit enough to play.
“We have to be ready,” he concluded. ‘A short turnaround time and we obviously expect Bruno back, and hopefully Jonny Evans too.’