Amidst the many articulate reservations levelled at various members of the Manchester United first team, Manuel Ugarte has become one of the poster boys for a relentless social agenda.
Since arriving in the North West for a fee in the region of £43 million, the midfielder has encountered the familiar scenario of not being afforded a bedding-in period, similar to that of any new signing at the club.
The battle-hardened Uruguay international had earned a reputation as a combative ball-winner across Portugal, France, and European competition, possessing the tenacity to tackle the rugged nature of the Premier League.
Forty-five appearances later, at the heart of a disgruntled Old Trafford midfield under two separate tacticians, subsections of supporters remain unconvinced of his qualities for this Ineos rebuild.
However, having sat back and digested the various arguments that have ensued from multiple debates, we can’t help but feel that many have fundamentally misunderstood his footballing responsibilities.
Manuel Ugarte | A defensive unit at the heart of Manchester United
Before I begin, let me address the elephant in the room, so to speak, in this online debate. Ugarte was not purchased to be the Manchester equivalent of Andrea Pirlo.
The man is neither a playmaker nor an attacking catalyst to propel a side into the final third. As French outlet L’Equipe fittingly declared almost two years ago, the Uruguayan was a revelation who was essential to maintaining stability in Paris.
Therein lies the fundamental description of a settled player in the middle of the park: he is a linchpin and a destructive cog who softens the opposition before offloading to his creative teammates.
A neutral spectator without an agenda or predetermined opinion could have easily sat back and acknowledged his glaring abilities, but that is a common issue with social media and the deficiencies of an impatient supporter base.
However, please don’t rely solely on my words to clarify his output. Despite a comical influence of various social superstars, the former Sporting man displays a remarkable catalogue of metrics for a man attempting to find his feet in the world’s most competitive division.
| Manuel Ugarte v Premier League 2024-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile |
| Tackles won | 2.47 | 98 |
| Tackles | 3.88 | 94 |
| Passes blocked | 1.46 | 92 |
| Dribblers challenged | 3.43 | 92 |
| Successful take-on % | 56.3% | 86 |
| Blocks | 1.66 | 85 |
| Pass completion % | 87.9% | 84 |
| Ball recoveries | 6.15 | 81 |
| Interceptions | 1.36 | 80 |
| Fouls drawn | 1.66 | 80 |
Figures available at fbref.com
Now, is it not evident from the above that Manchester United have an extremely talented defensive outlet on their books – a man who completes the role of midfield destroyer?
He may have endured individual struggles from time to time, but his integration into a perplexed football club within a hostile and entirely new environment undoubtedly played a role.
That brings us to the prominent element of his previous relationship with Ruben Amorim and his ability to shine within this meticulous Portuguese system.
Although Amorim may not have purchased the player in Manchester, he played a crucial role in his development in Lisbon and was openly upset about his departure.
Speaking to TNT Sports in November 2024, the United chief outlined his joy in reuniting with the now 24-year-old. “All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible, and that’s why I love all Uruguayans,” he stated.
“Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow. I am very happy to know that I have him back at Manchester United.”
Incredible is a fitting word, given his second-placed ranking as a midfielder in European football’s big five leagues for distance covered without the ball, averaging a mind-boggling 16 km per 90 minutes played throughout the season.
Ultimately, my opinion is but a drop in the ocean, but the support of your own should be a given for any football team and its global fanbase.
Manuel Ugarte is a young, ambitious footballer who is delighted to wear the jersey and remains humbled by the opportunity. His performances and output offer every reason to be hopeful for his progression in the North West.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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