“I lack…” Manuel Ugarte makes double admission following Uruguay’s shock loss vs Peru

Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte has made two admissions following Uruguay’s shock loss against Peru on the weekend.

Manuel Ugarte‘s start to life at Manchester United has not gone as anyone would have hoped, with poor team performances making it hard to settle in Manchester.

Since his move to Old Trafford, the 23-year-old has had a few of his performances criticised as he continues to embed himself in the squad, but Erik ten Hag‘s men’s overall negative performances have not helped.

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Part of the reason for this has been Ugarte’s lack of pre-season. The player did not train properly with Paris St. Germain before moving to United on deadline day at the end of August, meaning he has been playing catch-up with his fitness levels.

During times of turmoil at United, the international break often allows players to escape the high pressure. Still, for Ugarte, Uruguay suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Peru on Saturday.

Although the midfielder himself was praised by local media for his performance as a centre-back in a back three, he admitted after the game that they did not play well as a team.

Speaking to ESPN, Ugarte admitted: “We did not play well, it was a shame because I still believe that we are much better, but the match was ugly for us.

“Little by little, we faded, and we did not show good things in the match.”

Further, he was asked about his own performance as an auxiliary centre-back, to which he admitted he felt good with the ball at his feet, but he knows he is missing certain instincts that other defenders have.

He explained: “Honestly, I felt good with the ball, but I lack certain things as a defender.”

Ugarte will next play as Uruguay take on Ecuador in the early hours of Wednesday morning before flying back to Manchester.

Ten Hag’s men are set to line up against Brentford at Old Trafford, although it remains to be seen if Ugarte will play. He has to fly back from South America and readjust to the weather and time zone in England.

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