Manuel Ugarte's Own Goal Starts Premier League Journey

Manchester United's Premier League clash with Southampton at Old Trafford featured a memorable, albeit unfortunate, moment for their new signing, Manuel Ugarte. Making his league debut, Ugarte inadvertently scored an own goal that momentarily put United on the back foot.

The incident occurred late in the first half when Southampton won a corner. The ball was whipped into the near post, where a deflection off a Southampton attacker directed it toward Ugarte. The ball glanced off his back and into the net, leaving goalkeeper André Onana helpless and giving Southampton an early lead.

This own goal highlighted Manchester United's ongoing difficulties in defending set-pieces, an issue that has plagued the team throughout the season. Despite the mishap, the squad regrouped effectively during the break. In the second half, they showcased their attacking prowess, led by a standout performance from Amad Diallo, who netted a remarkable hat-trick to secure a 3-1 comeback victory for United.

For Ugarte, the own goal was an unfortunate introduction to English football. However, his overall performance in midfield showed glimpses of the potential that convinced Manchester United to secure his services. Manager Erik ten Hag expressed confidence in Ugarte, stating in a post-match interview, "These things happen in football, especially during transitions. Ugarte is a strong player, and this experience will only make him better."

The victory allowed Manchester United to climb further up the Premier League standings, but the match also reignited conversations about the need for defensive improvements. As the team looks to address these vulnerabilities, Ugarte’s journey in the Premier League is expected to bring significant contributions, despite the rocky start.