Manchester United's return to action after a 24-day break was a painful one, as a sluggish first-half performance gifted Leeds United a memorable 2-1 victory at Old Trafford on Monday night. The defeat marked a first home loss for caretaker manager Michael Carrick, with the team's lack of sharpness proving costly against an opponent riding high from an FA Cup semi-final run.

Carrick's lineup decisions came under immediate scrutiny, particularly in a midfield missing the injured Kobbie Mainoo. The choice to start Manuel Ugarte alongside Casemiro backfired spectacularly, as the Uruguayan struggled to impose himself on the game.

Intended to provide defensive solidity, Ugarte instead looked like a liability. His distribution was a major issue, misplacing 20% of his forward passes and failing to complete a single dribble, cross, or key pass. Under pressure from a swarming Leeds midfield, he lost possession 11 times, undermining United's ability to build from the back.

Even in the defensive duties he was supposedly signed for, his performance was lacking. Winning just a quarter of his aerial duels and losing over a third of his ground battles, he offered little protection to a backline that also endured a torrid evening. A slightly improved display after a United red card was too little, too late.

The concerning pattern is clear: United have won just once this season when Ugarte has started. Brought in as a potential successor to Casemiro, the midfielder has so far failed to adapt to the Premier League's relentless pace and physicality. With the summer transfer window approaching, the pressure is mounting for both the player and the club to find a solution, as his current form is not meeting the standards required at Old Trafford.