Manuel Ugarte's Challenges: Key to Fixing Manchester United's Defense?

The Radar: Latest Insights on Premier League Stars

Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports column by Nick Wright that captures the key stories and emerging trends in the Premier League. This week, we delve into:

• The challenge facing ball-winner Ugarte
• Hudson-Odoi's rising threat at Nottingham Forest
• Sancho poised for a key role at Chelsea

Ugarte's Tough Task at Manchester United

Manuel Ugarte made a strong impression during his full Manchester United debut in the Carabao Cup, showcasing his ball-winning ability and even contributing to a goal. However, his aggressive play led to six fouls in just 63 minutes on the pitch. Following a brief appearance in the match against Southampton, Ugarte's performance is paving the way for a potential first Premier League start as United prepares for a crucial match against Crystal Palace.

Last season's embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park underscored the defensive gaps that Ugarte has been signed to address. Varied injuries forced United to field unusual defensive formations, highlighting long-standing issues. Criticism continues to surround Casemiro’s performances in midfield, especially after being replaced following a poor showing against Liverpool. However, the problem extends beyond player performance to encompass tactical decisions made under Erik ten Hag.

United's strategy of high attacking full-backs has backfired, with recent matches revealing vulnerabilities in transition play. Since the previous season, United has recorded the highest number of transitional break opportunities conceded. In contrast, Manchester City and Arsenal are leading by having a much tighter defense in the same category. Ugarte, recognized as one of the most efficient midfielders in possession recoveries, will be essential in addressing these pressing concerns for United.

Hudson-Odoi Proving to be a Bargain

Nottingham Forest, riding high after an impressive victory over Liverpool, is set to face Brighton this Sunday. Key player Callum Hudson-Odoi's performance has been exceptional; he scored a stunning goal at Anfield, showcasing the skill that once made him a highly-regarded Chelsea academy prospect. With eight goals in the Premier League for Forest, Hudson-Odoi's turnaround since his transition for just 5 million pounds is remarkable and suggests he is worth much more now.

Guided by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, he is finally realizing his full potential. Forest significantly focuses its offensive attack down the left flank, utilizing Hudson-Odoi's skills by deploying 50% of their attack from this side. His ability to win one-on-one battles is evident, as he ranks among the top players for such scenarios in the league this season.

Player Radar: Who Else to Watch?

This weekend's fixtures feature a match between West Ham and Chelsea, where Jadon Sancho aims to earn a starting spot at Chelsea after a promising debut effort against Bournemouth. Sancho’s past performances certainly suggest that he could become an integral player under Enzo Maresca.

Live Radar: What’s On Sky This Weekend?

Don’t miss Manchester United’s clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, where Ten Hag’s team seeks redemption from last season's heavy loss. Sunday will feature Brighton's match with Nottingham Forest, followed by the headline showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal. Tune in for insightful previews and the latest developments.

Conclusion

Keep following The Radar for ongoing insights into the Premier League landscape, as players like Ugarte, Hudson-Odoi, and Sancho are set to impact their teams significantly. These emerging stories are crucial to understanding the evolving dynamics in one of football's most competitive leagues.