Manchester United made headlines when they signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for £42 million in the summer. However, the Uruguayan midfielder has faced challenges adapting to life at Old Trafford. Despite his struggles, Ugarte is determined to turn things around and prove his worth after the international break.
Critics and pundits have not been kind to Ugarte, questioning his performance and suitability for the team. Micah Richards and Gary Lineker labeled him as a ‘shadow’ of a player, highlighting his lackluster displays against Tottenham Hotspur. Dutch journalist Hans Kraay even suggested that PSV midfielder Jerdy Schouten would have been a better option for Manchester United.
Following United’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Rio Ferdinand pointed out Ugarte’s lack of ‘raw speed’ required for the team’s style of play under Ten Hag. NBC pundit Robbie Earle expressed sympathy for Ugarte, acknowledging the challenging environment the midfielder found himself in. Graeme Souness, a known critic of United players, including Paul Pogba, admitted to not being convinced by Ugarte’s performances, along with De Ligt and Mazraoui.
Despite the criticisms and doubts surrounding Ugarte, there is still hope that he can find his form and make a positive impact for Manchester United. The international break provides him with an opportunity to regroup and come back stronger for the upcoming matches, starting with Brentford.
It is clear that Ugarte has a tough road ahead of him, but with determination and hard work, he can prove his critics wrong and establish himself as a valuable asset for Manchester United. The pressure is on for the Uruguayan midfielder to rise above the challenges and showcase his true potential on the pitch. Only time will tell if Ugarte can overcome the odds and succeed in the red shirt of Manchester United.