Man United’s Summer Signings Fail to Impress in 3-0 Thrashing by Liverpool

Manchester United’s £100 million worth of new signings were unable to make an impact in their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, leaving fans wondering if the team’s latest addition, Manuel Ugarte, might have made a difference.

Ugarte, a £50.5 million midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain, was introduced to the crowd before the match but was ineligible to play due to being signed too late in the transfer window. Though he hasn’t played for PSG this season, it’s unlikely he would have started the game anyway.

Despite having three new midfielders, United’s midfield was still overrun by Liverpool’s trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister. Casemiro was substituted at halftime, and Kobbie Mainoo was given a harsh reality check.

Erik ten Hag put £100million-worth of new signings in his line-up to take on rivals Liverpool

United had identified Ugarte as their top midfield target early in the summer, raising questions about why they waited so long to sign him. Manager Erik ten Hag warned that Ugarte is no miracle worker and will need time to settle into the team.

“We have to build him into the team, and it will take time. It’s not like Harry Potter, that’s what you have to acknowledge,” said Ten Hag.

“If you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn’t play this season, not one match minute. We have to build his fitness, and then I’m sure he will be an important player.”

Three of United’s summer signings started the game, including Joshua Zirkzee, who made his full debut, and Matthijs de Ligt, who replaced Harry Maguire in the lineup. Noussair Mazraoui, signed from Bayern Munich, made his third consecutive start at right back.

Manuel Ugarte was paraded on the pitch to rapturous applause and watched from the stands

Zirkzee never really got into the game and missed two late chances set up by Marcus Rashford. De Ligt made a solid start but United’s defense crumbled as Liverpool poured through the midfield almost at will.

Mazraoui, meanwhile, was lucky that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early goal was ruled out for offside after Luis Diaz got away from him down the right, and a defender renowned for his attacking capabilities was then caught miles upfield when Diaz popped up unmarked to head Liverpool in front.

It has become a dangerous pastime rushing to judgement on United’s new signings over the last decade. But after United emerged from the summer very satisfied with their transfer business, this was a sobering reminder there will be no quick fixes.

‘It has been a graveyard for players that have come to the club with big reputations, and they’ve not done well,’ former United defender Gary Neville said on Saturday.

United’s new signings will need time to settle and prove themselves, and fans will have to be patient and not expect immediate results.