Manuel Ugarte has admitted he did not play well in Manchester United's draw with FC Twente.
The summer signing completed 90 minutes for the first time in the Red Devils' stalemate with Erik ten Hag's former team. It was just Ugarte's second start for the club after arriving from PSG in a deal worth up to £50million.
Christian Eriksen's opening strike was cancelled out by Sam Lammers' second half effort after the former Ajax star made an error in the build-up. Ten Hag west left frustrated with the manner of Twente's equaliser due to an absent midfield presence.
United struggled to provide a cutting edge and the club's attacking misfortunes have now seen them only record three wins in their opening eight matches. That is fewer than either of the Dutchman's previous two seasons in charge.
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Ugarte was quick to look at his own performance first and was adamant his side must keep working to turn things around. The Uruguay international posted his blunt assessment on X.
"The first to criticize himself. It wasn't a great game on a personal level. We have to keep working," he said.
Ugarte was not the only figure to undergo some self-reflection following the game. Ten Hag suggested he would have to look in the mirror following his side's performance.
"I saw in many games how high our work rate is, but today I have some criticism," he explained. "It is not only the team, I have to look in the mirror as well. I am part of it. We have to be more clinical in such situations."
A post-match inquest quickly took place in the Old Trafford changing rooms with United's stars handed an introspective selection. There was a worrying admission that Twente's players simply showed more desire on Wednesday evening.
Eriksen revealed his disappointment. He told TNT Sports: “Mostly disappointed as a team. Obviously, we wanted more but in the end it was far from good enough.
“Like it just has been said also in the changing room, I think they looked like they wanted it more than us and that can’t be right."
"Everyone is looking at themselves," he added. "For most, everyone is a professional footballer, they know what to do and they know what can’t happen. A game like today, obviously we don’t lose, but it feels like a loss and that is something at home against Twente can’t happen."
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