Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has sent a big message to the hierarchy after leaving Manuel Ugarte on the bench against Burnley in the Premier League.
The Uruguay international fell out of favour under Amorim during the final months of the previous season.
Casemiro was preferred in the number six role for the Europa League final as Ugarte stayed on the bench.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man has continued to struggle for playing time in the new campaign.
The 24-year-old has registered less than 50 minutes of regular time in the Premier League this term.
He was picked to start in the Carabao Cup second round loss to Grimsby Town, but was subbed off at the interval.
The £39 million-rated star subsequently did not come off the bench against Burnley.
In our view, Amorim has sent a clear message to the board that Ugarte is not good enough for his playing style.
Ugarte seems unlikely to head for the exit door, but the Portuguese may still want a new defensive midfielder.
It remains to be seen whether the club can find a solution for the manager before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller emerged as a surprise target earlier today, but the German outfit are expected to keep him.
We have mentioned Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume as a top-class alternative, but United have yet to make an approach.
The onus could be on a cost-effective signing as United are likely to return for Carlos Baleba next summer.
Brighton & Hove Albion have made it clear that the Cameroon sensation won’t be leaving this season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com