What Edinson Cavani did in 2021 that led to Manuel Ugarte’s Manchester United move

Manuel Ugarte has become a rising star at United since Rúben Amorim’s arrival, and it’s been revealed that Edinson Cavani had a role to play in his Manchester United move.

On the 2024 summer transfer window deadline, Manchester United announced the signing of 23-year-old Uruguayan international Manuel Ugarte.

The battle-hungry midfielder signed for United for an initial £42 million fee from Paris St. Germain, although this could rise to over £50 million with add-ons.

However, life at Old Trafford started poorly for Ugarte under Erik ten Hag, with many questioning if he had the guile and talent to cut it in the Premier League.

But, since the arrival of new head coach Rúben Amorim, the midfielder has come leaps and bounds and was praised tremendously for his role in United’s recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

Cavani’s role in Ugarte’s move to United

South Americans are often loved at United for the passion and desire they show on a football pitch, with recent examples being Lisandro Martínez, Marcos Rojo, and, of course, former striker Edinson Cavani.

Cavani scored 19 goals in 59 appearances at United after signing in October 2020 and had a very affectionate relationship with the club’s fans. However, his relationship with the club itself soured after Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing, and he left to join La Liga side Valencia in 2022.

But, according to the Manchester Evening News, he may have unwittingly influenced Ugarte in his signig for United.

According to the report, Cavani was Ugarte’s roommate in the Uruguayan national side while the striker was at Old Trafford, and the pair spoke at length about Cavani’s experiences at the club between 2020 and 2022.

Then, a few years later, Ugarte’s desperation to sign for United was evident. Many reports detail that once United were interested, it was the only club he wanted to join, and held out for the move that finally came to fruition.

United need more players like Ugarte

Ugarte does not seem the most vocal player on the field. Still, he leads by example in the middle of the park, regularly receiving praise on social media from his teammates for fantastic performances.

Amorim has called out for new leaders at United, and Ugarte can become one of them if he can cement himself as a staunch midfielder alongside Kobbie Mainoo as United ussure in a new era under the 39-year-old.

“Ugarte is quality on the ball, he’s surprised me a little bit, and he’s done better than I think he he would do when I watched him at PSG,” former United midfielder Paul Scholes said in the wake of the Liverpool draw. Scholes has previously doubted Ugarte’s signing.

“I think this lad, he’s really grown in confidence. I thought he took up some great positions, he helped defensively out with the attack, and I thought even he had the composure to take the ball as well, and it looks to me like it has to be him with another [midfielder].”

United need more players who share the traits of Ugarte’s resilience and determination.

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