Manchester United fans have dropped their two cents on Manuel Ugarte after his return to the starting XI for the Liverpool showdown at Anfield on Sunday evening.
Manchester United entered 2025 in a poor run of form after losing four matches across all competitions, including three consecutive Premier League defeats.
Ruben Amorim signed off 2024 with the Red Devils suffering a 2-0 Premier League loss to Newcastle at Old Trafford, with United producing a lacklustre performance.
United’s disappointing campaign has left the Red Devils’ hopes of securing a top-four finish all but over and Amorim faces an uphill task for the rest of the season.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have been thriving under Arne Slot and the Reds are in complete control of the Premier League title race in the 2024-25 campaign.
Ugarte returns to Man Utd XI for Liverpool showdown
Ruben Amorim was missing Manuel Ugarte for the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle after the Manchester United summer signing was suspended for the match in December.
Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford last summer under former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag and the United midfielder struggled to cement his place under the Dutchman.
However, the Uruguay international played under Amorim at Sporting CP and Ugarte has become a key midfield presence for the United manager at Old Trafford.
Ugarte returned to the United starting XI after serving his suspension and the 23-year-old Uruguayan midfielder was partnered alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting CP star enjoyed a sensational first-half performance and Ugarte rose to the occasion in the heart of midfield.
Both Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo added much-needed stability to the middle of the pitch and the Red Devils defied expectations and took a 0-0 lead into half-time.
Ugarte continued his strong showing in the second half and the United star showed exactly why his presence in midfield is essential for Amorim.
Man Utd fans react to Ugarte’s performance vs Liverpool
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, waxed lyrical about Ugarte’s “monster” display at Anfield in Sunday’s Premier League match.
Red Devils supporters called him the “engine room” of the team, while another United fan said it was “scary” that Ugarte has not even reached his “prime.”
“Manuel Ugarte, take a bow. Can’t believe some fans didn’t believe in him,” one X user said.
Somebody else added: “Ugarte is the engine room of United currently.”
Another fan wrote: “Monster on the pitch – literally intercepting every ball and dominating that midfield. £40m for Manuel Ugarte keeps getting more and more amusing every time he plays. F*****g monster.”
Somebody else tweeted: “Ugarte has solidified himself in that pivot. Finding the perfect partner for him is the next step. Hoping it will be Mainoo.”
“I forget that Ugarte is only 23. He’s still yet to get into his prime. Scary,” a fifth added.
While a sixth posted: “Ugarte is so, so important to this team.”
“Ugarte is a baller. Plays like he’s irritated every second we [are] not in possession,” another suggested.
An eighth fan simply commented: “Ugarte has been brilliant. That’s why we have to always give new signings a chance to prove themselves and some time to adapt.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/h72FfXG