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Manuel Ugarte: the missing piece of the jigsaw for Man United?

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Manuel Ugarte: the missing piece of the jigsaw for Man United?

Erik Ten Hag’s side are interested in the Paris Saint-Germain player – could the Uruguayan be the perfect midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo?

Manchester United are reportedly prioritising the addition of a new defensive midfielder before the transfer window slams shut on August 30, with Manuel Urgate emerging as their top target.

With an ageing Casemiro coming off the back of a disappointing season and Scott McTominay linked with a potential exit, bringing in a new midfielder to compliment Kobbie Mainoo could be crucial in helping Erik Ten Hag’s side significantly improve on last season’s 8th-place Premier League finish.

Ugarte agreed personal terms with the Red Devils some time ago, but negotiating a transfer fee with PSG has proven challenging, with United refusing to meet the Ligue 1 Champions’ £51m asking price. The Uruguayan’s move to Old Trafford may also hinge on Scott McTominay’s departure, adding another layer of complexity to the deal.

Departures from Old Trafford could facilitate a permanent deal for Ugarte, which would be the preferred outcome for both United and PSG. Alternatively, the Red Devils could explore a loan deal with an obligation to buy to secure the 23-year-old midfielder, as they look to bolster their midfield options.

Who is Manuel Ugarte?

Ugarte began his footballing journey at Uruguayan side Fénix, progressing through their youth academy before making his first-team debut in 2016. In December 2021, the defensive midfielder moved to Europe and quickly gained attention for his tenacious playing style, joining Portuguese Primeira Liga side Famalicão.

His standout performances earned him a transfer to fellow Primeira Liga side Sporting CP, where he played a key role in winning the Taça da Liga (Portuguese league cup). In July 2023, Ugarte signed with French giants PSG for a fee of €60m, marking a significant step in his career as he joined one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Ugarte has also been a key figure for his native Uruguay, earning 22 caps since his debut in 2021. The 23-year-old made a significant impact in the 2024 Copa América, featuring in six matches and helping his team reach the semi-finals, where they were knocked out by Colombia.

What could Ugarte bring to United?

Known for his exceptional ball-winning skills, Ugarte excels at disrupting opposition attacks. The midfielder’s main strengths are rooted in his outstanding defensive capabilities and relentless work rate.

The 23-year-old is effective at breaking up play with precise tackling and relentless pressing and has established himself as a reliable ball-winner in midfield. Ugarte’s exceptional defensive prowess is highlighted by his achievement of leading his respective league in tackles for two consecutive seasons.

The midfielder made the most tackles in the 22/23 Primeira Liga (98) and then the 23/24 Ligue 1 (121), a highly encouraging statistic that underscores his consistent impact in the middle of the park.

Additionally, Ugarte’s exceptional stamina and energy enable him to cover large areas of the pitch, and he often ensures he is well-placed to intercept opposition passes and thwart attacks. The PSG midfielder is also composed under pressure, demonstrating a strong ability to retain possession and distribute the ball intelligently to initiate transitions from defence to attack. His blend of tenacity, aggression, and tactical intelligence make him a commanding presence in midfield.

While Manuel Ugarte is an excellent midfielder, his weaknesses lie in his limited attacking output and occasional over-aggressiveness, which can result in unnecessary fouls and disciplinary issues.

Though reliable in short-range passing, Ugarte’s playmaking lacks the creativity and vision required to consistently contribute to goals or assists. His eagerness to win the ball back can also sometimes lead to positional lapses, leaving gaps for opponents to exploit. As the young midfielder develops, improving his offensive contributions and honing his discipline will be crucial areas for growth in his game.

How could Ugarte fit into Erik Ten Hag’s side?

Should United finalise a deal for  Ugarte, he is expected to slot directly into the midfield, competing with fellow South American Casemiro for a starting spot.

Following a subpar 2023/24 season from the Brazilian in which he failed to live up to the heights he hit the season prior, Ugarte could offer United similar defensive solidity to Casemiro, while also bringing a new level of energy and dynamism to the midfield. His arrival could provide a valuable boost to United’s engine room, potentially rejuvenating the Reds in the middle of the park.

Ugarte could be a transformative addition to United’s midfield setup, particularly in complementing the young and dynamic Kobbie Mainoo. His aggressive ball-winning capabilities could provide Ten Hag’s side with a solid defensive foundation in the middle of the pitch, allowing Mainoo more freedom to drive forward and link up play.

In a midfield pairing with United’s 19-year-old wonderkid, Ugarte could occupy a deeper role, with his primary role being to disrupt opposition attacks and recover possession.

This would enable Mainoo to operate more as a box-to-box midfielder, leveraging his creativity and passing ability to influence the game further up the pitch. Ugarte’s high-energy play and defensive diligence would also allow Mainoo to focus on his attacking contributions, without being as burdened by defensive responsibilities.

This partnership could provide the Red Devils with a balanced and dynamic midfield, blending Ugarte’s defensive tenacity with Mainoo’s playmaking and forward drive, potentially leading to more cohesive and effective performances in both domestic and European competitions for Ten Hag’s side.

What does this mean for Man United?

As United slumped to a disappointing 8th-place finish in the Premier League last season, the midfield emerged as a critical area of concern for the Red Devils. Inconsistent performances, injuries, and a lack of balance plagued the midfield, leaving the team vulnerable defensively. Casemiro, expected to be a key defensive anchor, had a below-par season, struggling with fitness issues and failing to replicate his previous form.

This exposed United to high-pressing opponents and created gaps in defensive coverage. These deficiencies resulted in underwhelming performances and significantly contributed to the team’s overall disappointing campaign, in which they picked up their lowest league finish since the 1989/90 season.

Manuel Ugarte possesses many of the qualities Manchester United have been missing in their midfield. His energy, pressing ability, and aggression could provide the balance the team needs to consistently compete at the highest level. While no signing is ever a guaranteed success, Ugarte’s profile and potential make him an exciting prospect who could be the final piece of the jigsaw in United’s pursuit of success both domestically and in Europe.

If Manchester United want to reclaim their place at the top of English football, adding a player like Ugarte could be the decisive move that finally brings stability and balance to their midfield—a missing piece they have been searching for.

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BREAKING NEWS: Alexander Arnold is disappointed by his friend’s choice to join Manchester United instead of Liverpool . The Liverpool star shared his feelings, saying, “I really thought we’d be thriving together at Anfield! We’ve been successful and winning trophies, so I thought it would be an obvious decision.”

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BREAKING NEWS: Alexander Arnold is disappointed by his friend’s choice to join Manchester United instead of Liverpool . The Liverpool star shared his feelings, saying, “I really thought we’d be thriving together at Anfield! We’ve been successful and winning trophies, so I thought it would be an obvious decision.”

 

Phil Foden, a key player for Manchester City and an integral part of the club’s success under Pep Guardiola, has shared his disappointment regarding his close friend Jarrad Branthwaite’s decision to sign with Manchester United.

Foden and Branthwaite have a strong bond, having played together for England’s national team, and Foden’s reaction reflects both personal frustration and the wider implications of the intense rivalry between Manchester’s two major clubs.

In an open interview, Foden revealed that he personally tried to persuade Branthwaite to join Manchester City, a club currently dominating both English and European football.

Foden believed it was an obvious choice for his friend to move to the Etihad, given City’s ongoing success. “I told him to come to City. We’ve been winning everything, so it seemed like an easy decision,” Foden explained.

To Foden’s disappointment, Branthwaite chose Manchester United instead, a club that has struggled in recent years to reclaim its former dominance. United’s inconsistent performances and lack of trophies have stood in contrast to City’s continued triumphs under Guardiola, making Branthwaite’s decision even more surprising to many.

Despite Foden’s efforts, Branthwaite opted to join United, believing in their long-term rebuilding project and the opportunity to be part of a squad aiming for resurgence.

Foden expressed his frustration, particularly about the missed opportunity to play alongside Branthwaite at City. “Playing with him at City would have been amazing,” he said. Foden’s comments illustrate the disappointment of a player who, having experienced great success with his club, felt Branthwaite’s decision represented a missed chance for the defender to advance his career with a winning team.

The rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United is longstanding, and in recent years, City has become the dominant force in English football, winning numerous titles under Guardiola. Meanwhile, United has struggled with managerial instability and inconsistent performances since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite Anold frustration, he acknowledged that his friendship with Branthwaite remains strong. While he respects Branthwaite’s decision, he hinted at the challenges that come with playing for a club like United, where high expectations often clash with underwhelming results.

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BREAKING NEWS: Alexander Arnold is disappointed by his friend’s choice to join Manchester United instead of Liverpool . The Liverpool star shared his feelings, saying, “I really thought we’d be thriving together at Anfield! We’ve been successful and winning trophies, so I thought it would be an obvious decision.”

Published

on

BREAKING NEWS: Alexander Arnold is disappointed by his friend’s choice to join Manchester United instead of Liverpool . The Liverpool star shared his feelings, saying, “I really thought we’d be thriving together at Anfield! We’ve been successful and winning trophies, so I thought it would be an obvious decision.”

 

Phil Foden, a key player for Manchester City and an integral part of the club’s success under Pep Guardiola, has shared his disappointment regarding his close friend Jarrad Branthwaite’s decision to sign with Manchester United.

Foden and Branthwaite have a strong bond, having played together for England’s national team, and Foden’s reaction reflects both personal frustration and the wider implications of the intense rivalry between Manchester’s two major clubs.

In an open interview, Foden revealed that he personally tried to persuade Branthwaite to join Manchester City, a club currently dominating both English and European football.

Foden believed it was an obvious choice for his friend to move to the Etihad, given City’s ongoing success. “I told him to come to City. We’ve been winning everything, so it seemed like an easy decision,” Foden explained.

To Foden’s disappointment, Branthwaite chose Manchester United instead, a club that has struggled in recent years to reclaim its former dominance. United’s inconsistent performances and lack of trophies have stood in contrast to City’s continued triumphs under Guardiola, making Branthwaite’s decision even more surprising to many.

Despite Foden’s efforts, Branthwaite opted to join United, believing in their long-term rebuilding project and the opportunity to be part of a squad aiming for resurgence.

Foden expressed his frustration, particularly about the missed opportunity to play alongside Branthwaite at City. “Playing with him at City would have been amazing,” he said. Foden’s comments illustrate the disappointment of a player who, having experienced great success with his club, felt Branthwaite’s decision represented a missed chance for the defender to advance his career with a winning team.

The rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United is longstanding, and in recent years, City has become the dominant force in English football, winning numerous titles under Guardiola. Meanwhile, United has struggled with managerial instability and inconsistent performances since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite Anold frustration, he acknowledged that his friendship with Branthwaite remains strong. While he respects Branthwaite’s decision, he hinted at the challenges that come with playing for a club like United, where high expectations often clash with underwhelming results.

Continue Reading

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BREAKING: Manchester United have finally decided to part ways with Erik Ten Hag, decision taken by the board this morning to replace Him with Zidane

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BREAKING: Manchester United have finally decided to part ways with Erik Ten Hag, decision taken by the board this morning to replace Him with Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has one signing in mind if he takes over at Man Utd with the former Real Madrid boss now ‘open’ to succeeding Erik ten Hag, according to reports.

The Red Devils have made their worst start to a Premier League season this term with Ten Hag’s side earning just eight points from a possible 21 in their first seven matches this term.

Man Utd, who have scored just five goals in the Premier League this campaign. are currently floundering in 14th and Ten Hag is now under pressure from media, fans and the board to turn around results.

Ten Hag is expected to be in charge of the Red Devils’ first match back after the international break against Brentford amid speculation the Man Utd board could try and keep him in position until closer to January.

Speaking ahead of the Red Devils’ executive committee’s pre-planned monthly meeting last Tuesday, Ten Hag said: “We always talk, every week. I would say every day we talk so, yeah, I expect I will speak with them.”

Pushed on them being in the bottom of half after drawing 0-0 against Aston Villa, Ten Hag replied: “I think you said it very good – it is external noise.

“Internal we are disappointed and we know we need to do better, especially we need to score more because in this moment after this block of games that’s the area we’re really short.

“All the other areas I think we are doing really well. We have four clean sheets so that says a lot about the defending and the organisation. Also now the defending of defensive transitions we are doing really well, so we are really improving on that point.

“Our build-up play is good – we are calm, composed. We’re creating the chances apart from today.

“I think today we should have created more, but that area in the box of the opponent we have to be more ruthless, more clinical, more killing and we have to work on this.”

There have been rumours of numerous managers being in line to replace Ten Hag if he is sacked with Max Allegri, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Eddie Howe and Thomas Frank among the names linked.

Former Real Madrid boss Zidane is another manager reportedly on the Red Devils’ radar and reports in Spain claim that he ‘would be open to the possibility of landing at Old Trafford’.

And Zidane ‘already has a priority target in mind’ for the January transfer window with the Frenchman demanding Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as his first signing.

The France international has ‘aroused the interest of Zidane’ and ‘would be fundamental to strengthen a defence that has shown serious weaknesses in recent months’.

The report adds:

‘It is no secret that Zidane deeply admires his compatriot, and believes that his incorporation could give the English team a leap in quality.

‘However, FC Barcelona are not willing to let one of their most important players go. The Catalan club considers Koundé to be untransferable, and the player seems to be fully committed to the Barça project.’

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