Manchester United saved their most important signing until last in the summer.

That was how it felt at the time, anyway. Following several weeks of negotiations and talks with Paris Saint-Germain, United wrapped up the signing of Manuel Ugarte on deadline day. He joined the club in a deal initially worth £42.3million, signing a five-year contract.

Throughout last season, United’s need for fresh blood in midfield became more and more obvious. Casemiro experienced a staggering decline and finding a long-term successor was a transfer mission the club simply could not afford to fail.

A flurry of names were linked with the possibility of filling that void at Old Trafford throughout the summer, but Ugarte was the player United identified as the ideal fit. Sporting director Dan Ashworth described the Uruguayan as being ‘among the very best ball-winning midfield players in the world’.

Unfortunately for United’s supporters, they are yet to have seen evidence of that, largely down to the fact he has struggled to cement his place in the team. He has started just three games since his arrival and has played a full 90 minutes just once.

Although the fact he returned from international duty in South America carrying a small knock ahead of the weekend’s victory over Brentford was a contributing factor, he was named among the substitutes for the third game running. He stepped off the bench in the closing stages.

As a result, the 23-year-old has stored just two minutes worth of football under his belt across United’s last three games, failing to make it off the bench against Aston Villa and FC Porto prior to the international break. His last start was against Tottenham Hotspur on September 29.

Having cost north of £40m, the United hierarchy will not be particularly pleased with how the start of Ugarte’s career has unfolded. They would have expected him to quickly embed himself within the team and have an immediate impact.

However, it is unlikely Ugarte has had much fun so far, either. He will be frustrated with how his first six appearances for the club have unfolded.

While there is no denying he has not set the world alight when he has played, he is, as obvious as it may sound, only going to improve by getting time on the pitch. He is considered as Casemiro’s long-term replacement and the Brazilian is currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, the former Sporting Lisbon ace could get the opportunity to force his way into Ten Hag’s thinking for the clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday night. United will travel to Istanbul without suspended captain Bruno Fernandes, meaning a change will have to be made in midfield.

Against Brentford, Fernandes started in the most advanced midfield role, supported by Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. It would be no surprise to see Eriksen replace Fernandes in the No.10 position against Jose Mourinho’s side, opening up a window of opportunity for Ugarte to start in one of the two holding roles next to Casemiro.

Keeping just one clean sheet in their last five matches, United are still susceptible to conceding goals, suggesting a midfield duo of Ugarte and Casemiro stationed in front of the back-four could provide a much-needed sense of protection. Ugarte is a ball-winning specialist, as is Casemiro, but the former has the capacity to get around the pitch that little bit quicker.

Ugarte was dubbed as the signing United needed more than any other during the summer, such was their obvious need for fresh legs in midfield. However, he is yet to have the impact he would have hoped for.

However, he is only going to be able to strengthen his chances of doing so by being handed a consistent run of games.