Manchester United faced significant challenges last season, particularly in midfield. Casemiro struggled with injuries, Sofyan Amrabat couldn’t keep pace with the Premier League, and Mason Mount was sidelined for most of the season. These issues forced Bruno Fernandes to take on additional responsibilities, diluting his usual attacking impact. While Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence offered some relief, it wasn’t enough to solve the ongoing lack of energy and dynamism in the middle.To address this, United targeted Manuel Ugarte early in the summer.
After nearly three months of negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, they appear to have secured the Uruguayan midfielder’s signature. Manuel, who made his professional debut in Uruguay while still in high school, quickly became known for his relentless ball-winning abilities. Last season, he recorded the second-most tackles in Europe’s top five leagues, just behind his former teammate Joao Palhinha.
At 23, He brings youthful energy and tenacity to United’s midfield. His former coach, Juan Ramon Carrasco, famously said Ugarte has “seven lungs” and “owns one half of the pitch.” Erik ten Hag believes Ugarte could be the solution to United’s midfield woes.
Historically, United have struggled to replace the influence of Roy Keane, with previous attempts like Owen Hargreaves and Nemanja Matic proving short-lived. However, with Ugarte’s best years ahead, United are hopeful he will bring long-term stability and strength to their midfield, allowing players like Mainoo and Fernandes to flourish in their attacking roles.
