Manuel Ugarte has picked up some positive form in recent weeks but he was slammed by a Manchester United legend for his poor overall levels.
Manchester United are planning to sign two midfielders this year, suggesting that they are unhappy with the current options in the engine room.
Casemiro will likely leave when his contract expires at the end of the season while major question marks remain over Manuel Ugarte.
After joining the club from PSG in the summer of 2024, Ugarte has struggled to showcase a consistent level at Old Trafford.
In recent games, the Uruguayan has picked up his form and looked solid against Burnley despite the result. He will likely get more game-time in the new 4-2-3-1 formation.
Ugarte slammed by United legend
Ugarte’s best attributes come out of possession and many fans have criticised his ability with the ball at his feet.
Former United midfielder Nicky Butt has also been unimpressed by the signing of the midfielder and he believes that it is a clear example of the bad recruitment at the club.
Ugarte is not a Manchester United midfielder in a million years. Not in a million years he’s a Man United midfielder,” Butt said during The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
“That’s just one example of the recruitment and how they keep getting it wrong. They keep getting it wrong all the time with the players they’re bringing in and that’s a fact.”
Ugarte’s Old Trafford future remains uncertain
Ugarte’s future at Old Trafford appears to be uncertain this month as Ajax and Galatasaray appear to be interested in signing him.
His future does likely lay away from the club but the limited options in midfield will likely mean that he remains at Old Trafford until the summer window.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjær will likely take over as caretaker boss in the coming days and some fans believe that he could improve Ugarte’s levels.
The Norwegian coach worked well with workhorse-type players in midfield during his first stint at United and may be able to simplify Ugarte’s game for the rest of the season.
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