Manchester United are looking to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, and he looks like he could be the perfect addition.
Manuel Ugarte is Manchester United’s top midfield transfer target with the 23-year-old Uruguay international expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain.
Ugarte has even agreed personal terms, and there is a lot for United fans to be excited about.
This is what United need, Ugarte’s style of play suits United, especially amid Casemiro’s decline.
But there is one issue for Manchester United to be aware of concerning Ugarte.
Ugarte ‘exhausted’
Manuel Ugarte is coming off a very hectic 2023/24 season for club and country, which may have taken its toll.
Culture PSG report Ugarte experienced problems with both knees during the Copa America, one of which saw him substituted at half-time during the third place play-off.
The outlet report: “Initially, it was a problem with Ugarte’s right knee that was announced, but the PSG midfielder was actually suffering from both at the same time.
“An image of the retransmission showed him on the bench during the second half with two ice packs: one on the front of his left knee, the other on the back of his right.
“It is therefore an understatement to say that Ugarte, like many Uruguayans, is finishing the 2024 Copa America totally exhausted.”
Neither of these injuries are believed to be at all serious, but it should mean Manchester United fans have to adjust expectations Ugarte can come in and transform the team from day one.
Ugarte playing time over last two seasons
Manuel Ugarte played 48 games in all competitions in 2023/24 for club and country last season.
This comes after a campaign in 2022/23 for Sporting where he played a total of 55 matches, also including Uruguay games.
That’s a total of 103 matches over the past two seasons, at an incredible intensity due to Ugarte’s combative style of play.
It’s no wonder Ugarte is ‘exhausted’. He’s still performing at a high level, rated as the best midfielder at the Copa America.
But it does mean there should be some perspective, especially now coming into the Premier League where games are even more intense. Ugarte should not be asked to transform United’s midfield single-handedly.
An additional cheap move for a Sofyan Amrabat, for instance, could be the perfect way to ensure Ugarte is not overplayed and asked to do too much.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/ogCKhlM