Fri Sep 20 08:34:00 UTC 2024: ## Man Utd’s Defensive Woes Persist Despite Ugarte’s Arrival: Sky Sports Radar Analysis

Manchester United’s new midfielder, Manuel Ugarte, impressed on his debut against Barnsley, showcasing his ball-winning abilities, but Sky Sports expert Nick Wright warns that the Uruguayan may not be enough to solve the Red Devils’ defensive issues.

While Ugarte’s tenacity and youth offer hope, United’s underlying tactical problems remain. Ten Hag’s high-line strategy leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks, as demonstrated by their recent losses to Liverpool and Southampton. Even with Ugarte, who is statistically one of the world’s best midfielders at recovering possession, United need significant tactical adjustments to address this weakness.

Meanwhile, Callum Hudson-Odoi is thriving at Nottingham Forest, showcasing his potential under Nuno Espirito Santo. The Chelsea academy graduate has become a key player for the Tricky Trees, consistently scoring from similar positions, and is now worth considerably more than the £5m Forest paid for him. Nuno’s tactics, emphasizing attacks down the left flank where Hudson-Odoi operates, have unleashed the winger’s true potential.

And Jadon Sancho is hoping to make his first start for Chelsea after a promising debut off the bench against Bournemouth. The 24-year-old faces competition for a spot in Enzo Maresca’s attack, but his performance against Bournemouth, where he set up the winning goal, will likely earn him more minutes.

**Catch the action this weekend on Sky Sports:**

* **Saturday:** West Ham vs Chelsea (early kick-off), Manchester United vs Crystal Palace (5:30pm)
* **Sunday:** Brighton vs Nottingham Forest (1pm), Manchester City vs Arsenal (4:30pm)

Don’t miss the in-depth analysis of these matches and other Premier League storylines on Sky Sports, including the latest on Raheem Sterling’s impact at Arsenal, Chris Wood’s goalscoring prowess for Forest, and more.

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