Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has had a frustrating start to his debut season following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Uruguayan was expected to secure a regular starting role in midfield, but he was largely on the bench under former manager Erik ten Hag.
The 23-year-old has played just 112 minutes in the Premier League with a solitary start.
He was recently praised by Ten Hag for his performance against Fenerbahce but was an unused substitute in the 2-1 loss to West Ham United.
With Ten Hag no longer in charge, it could be a blessing in disguise for Ugarte. The midfielder could finally get a regular run of games to prove his credentials.
Ugarte has shown glimpses of his immense quality with his passing range and duel-winning skills.
He was brilliant in the Europa League game in Istanbul, where he was up for the physical challenge against Sofyan Amrabat and Fred in the heart of the midfield.
The midfielder also made a terrific goalline clearance to deny Dusan Tadic, but Ten Hag surprisingly benched him for Casemiro in a must-win game last weekend.
Casemiro had a good all-round outing. The Brazilian scored United’s only goal of the game while making seven clearances, nine recoveries and winning seven duels.
Ugarte and Casemiro should start together when United face Chelsea in Sunday’s much-awaited league encounter at Old Trafford.
The Blues have three of the best defensive midfielders in the league in Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez. The midfield battle could decide the contest.
United also have a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie versus Leicester City on Wednesday.
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has the opportunity to experiment with Ugarte and Casemiro in that game so they can improve their chemistry in the centre of the park.
Ugarte has a high possibility of becoming a mainstay in the team with Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim reportedly ready to succeed Ten Hag.
The midfielder made a name for himself during his time in Lisbon. He was brilliant under Amorim’s tutelage and will be delighted by the prospect of a reunion with him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.