Manuel Ugarte made his latest competitive start for Manchester United in a disappointing draw against Wolves, raising more questions than answers over the Uruguayan’s uncertain future at Old Trafford.
It’s been one step forward and two steps back for Manchester United all season.
Unfortunately, the same can be said for Manuel Ugarte since he signed for United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.
The Uruguay international has been unable to cement a place in the team after establishing himself as a promising midfielder at Sporting CP under the guidance of Ruben Amorim.
Ugarte earned his fifth Premier League start of the season in United’s 1-1 draw against Wolves on Tuesday night. It was a turgid display from Amorim’s side as they failed to edge closer to the top four after Aston Villa and Chelsea dropped points.
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With Amorim trying to operate with limited midfield options, Ugarte did nothing to give the United head coach any second thoughts about his reasons for overlooking him for most games this season.
Ugarte has been linked with Galatasaray ahead of the January transfer window, and it’s hard to see how he has a long-term future at Old Trafford based on performances.
Manuel Ugarte offered nothing in turgid Wolves draw
We’ve seen players leave United in recent years only for their form to improve. It’s often the case that performing elsewhere is easier, away from the madness of the biggest football club in the world.
Ugarte started against Wolves because there was nobody else in contention to play. His performance showed why as he touched the ball 54 times during his 75-minute cameo. Injuries mean that Amorim is without Bruno Fernandes as well as Kobbie Mainoo, but there is hope that both players are nearing a return to action.
With 37 completed passes, Ugarte made just seven attempts to get the ball into the final third as United tried to break down Wolves’ low block.
Ugarte had to make six defensive contributions, but he did nowhere near enough to dominate the midfield alongside Casemiro, who was also guilty of underperforming.
The problem with Ugarte is that we’re not used to much better from the 24-year-old. There is often chaos whenever he’s on the pitch because he is incapable of protecting the defence, which is a concern for any defensive midfielder.
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That is why Ugarte is being linked with a move away from United, to fulfil his dreams elsewhere, because he looks like a player completely out of his depth.
Amorim needs to consider moving Ugarte on and finding an adequate replacement who can contribute in games when called upon. The Red Devils also need to prioritise a defensive midfielder to fill Casemiro’s void as the Brazilian veteran gets closer to his contract expiry date.
It’s baffling that Amorim has been unable to get more out of a player he enjoyed success with at Sporting CP.
Galatasaray stepping up Manuel Ugarte interest
In a brief update on Tuesday, Chris Wheeler from the Daily Mail revealed that Turkish giants Galatasaray are set to intensify their interest in United midfielder Ugarte.
The reporter adds that Turkey has now become Ugarte’s most likely destination.
Most of the reports around Ugarte joining Galatasaray are coming from Turkey, but this is the first time there has been a UK-based reporter on the matter.
It remains to be seen if Ugarte will leave United midway through the season. Ineos will have to accept a loss in transfer value either way.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/qYcBiOK