Manuel Ugarte made fans “celebrate the most” with key contribution, says Uruguay boss

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte made fans “celebrate the most” with a key contribution, says Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Manchester United have had a disappointing start to the season, securing only one win from their first three Premier League matches.

However, there were positives from the summer transfer window, with several new signings expected to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad.

Manuel Ugarte is set to reinforce the midfield but wasn’t available in time to feature against Liverpool last weekend. The club also mentioned he wasn’t deemed a match-fit for the game.

Following Casemiro’s underwhelming performance in that match, there’s hope that Ugarte could make his debut after the international break against Southampton.

Despite Ten Hag’s initial warning about the midfielder’s lack of match fitness, he provided a solid display when lining up for Uruguay this weekend.

The South American side drew 0-0 against Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier. Ugarte played 79 minutes, completed 52 passes and won 12 duels across the clash.

Speaking after the game, Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa offered praise to the “great” Ugarte and explained that his ability to recover the ball was something that the fans “celebrated the most”.

Bielsa told reporters, as per Debate: “We had players with a great ability to recover the ball.

“In fact, I think this is what the fans celebrated the most; the number of balls recovered by our two full-backs and Ugarte.”

Ugarte will be pleased with the essential minutes ahead of his return to United next week.

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