Manchester United are set to face Crystal Palace with a squad that looks markedly different from the one that suffered a 4-0 defeat near the end of last season.
Manager Erik ten Hag returns to Selhurst Park with the opportunity to showcase the progress his team has made since that disappointing loss.
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United enter the match brimming with confidence after scoring ten unanswered goals in their last two games.
Aiming for a third consecutive victory, the team is in high spirits.
Unlike the previous season, when Ten Hag struggled to field a full starting XI, he now enjoys the “nice headaches” that come with a healthy and competitive squad.
Erik ten Hag confirms a major starter
Amidst these selection dilemmas, the manager has confirmed that Manuel Ugarte is ready for his first league start, despite having had limited training time with the team.
In his embargoed press conference, Ten Hag revealed that the squad has emerged from the last two games without any new injury concerns—a fact not taken for granted at Carrington.
The team’s depth is further enhanced by the return of players like Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount, who have rejoined training sessions.
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Hojlund is expected to be part of the squad against Crystal Palace, with Mount set to follow soon.
Additionally, Luke Shaw is advancing in his recovery, and Tyrell Malacia has participated in team training for the first time in over a year.
Manuel Ugarte’s integration into the team
Discussing Ugarte’s readiness, Ten Hag said: “He’s a player very short in [number of] sessions, now he has a start in him.
“In Southampton, he came in as a sub. Yeah, still, he’s in the process that he has come into the club.
“He has to come into the team and know what is the game, what are the principles, what are the rules, and know his team-mates.
“So, especially, know with his profile what he can contribute for his team.
“So yeah, we are in that process and that will take some time, but it will come, it will come in a natural way.
“And you can already see when he is fulfilling the process he will really be a very good player for us.”
Ugarte made a substitute appearance against Southampton and was subbed off in the Carabao Cup match against Barnsley as he builds up his match fitness. In both games, his potential was evident and promising.
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