'I spoke to him' - Erik ten Hag reveals discussion with Casemiro after Man Utd signed Manuel Ugarte as Brazilian is benched for Southampton game

Casemiro has struggled mightily this season, the Brazilian at fault for two goals against Liverpool and then taken off at half-time. The arrival of Ugarte threatens his playing time, and he was benched for Saturday's game against Southampton. Ten Hag has revealed that he spoke to the former Real Madrid midfielder following Ugarte's signing.

Ten Hag said: "I normally do talk to him and in this case I did as well but players in our club know you are playing at this level there is always competition, they also know you can only be successful if you have a squad that covers. You can’t have a squad where you only have one player who can cover this – you need at least two for each position, sometimes it is three for two. That is okay when you have very robust players.

"All the players will understand – then it’s about what is the best fit for the team. They have to prove it, the key word, they have to take responsibility and win games for the club."

Ugarte didn't feature for PSG at all this season and only played 11 minutes of Uruguay's two World Cup qualifiers during the international break as he tries to gain match fitness. He was the last international to return to Carrington, only arriving back for Thursday afternoon's training session, and was on the bench along with Casemiro for the game against Southampton.

The two howlers against Liverpool might have called an end to his spot in the starting line-up as he will have to try and fight for his place again. Ugarte won't expect to occupy the bench and Kobbie Mainoo is also deserving of a spot in the starting line-up.