Man United star has finally justified Erik ten Hag's controversial £30m transfer decision

When Manchester United sold Scott McTominay towards the end of the summer transfer window, the overwhelming feeling among everyone associated with the club was regret.

Erik ten Hag, who ultimately agreed that this was the best course of action, even acknowledged that he wished he did not have to do it but the £30m transfer boost was needed. As McTominay departed, Manuel Ugarte arrived from PSG, with United pleased that they had got their man.

In the weeks that followed, scrutiny of the decision began to ramp up. Former Premier League striker Paolo di Canio even insisted that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos should be imprisoned for their hand in allowing McTominay to leave Old Trafford.

READ MORE: United player ratings vs Fenerbahce

READ MORE: Onana praises United teammates after Ten Hag confusion

You see, while Ugarte was attempting to get up to speed having not been afforded a proper pre-season, McTominay was moving from strength to strength at Napoli and flourishing in a more advanced midfield role. Whereas, United's new midfield endured difficulties adapting to the Premier League and was even dropped in favour of Casemiro, who he had been bought to replace.

However, on Thursday night in Istanbul, Ugarte proved exactly why United needed to raise the funds for his signature. For way too long, the Reds have lacked an enforcer in the middle of the park who can break up play and launch counter attacks but now they have got it.

His talent was showcased perfectly for the United goal. Ugarte did excellently to win the ball off Fenerbahce and launch the counter which was excellently capped off by Christian Eriksen. But he did more than just that.

On several occasions he won back possession and even produced a marvelous last ditch block to keep United in the lead in the first half. While the Reds were not able to hold on to the three points, Ten Hag will be pleased he is finally seeing what he expected from Ugarte.

Now of course one swallow does not make a summer and Ugarte will need to show this kind of consistency on a regular basis especially against bigger and better clubs. But, we are now seeing the justification for cashing in on McTominay to bring him in as he offers something United do not currently have and while the Scot is a good player, United have Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to play his position.