Michael Carrick has explained Manuel Ugarte’s stance on his current role at Manchester United as he struggles for game-time.
Manchester United are said to be targeting midfield reinforcements this year, highlighting increasing doubts about the strength and depth of their current options in that area.
Casemiro is widely expected to depart when his contract runs out at the end of the season, even though he has delivered several strong performances during this campaign. At the same time, questions remain over Manuel Ugarte’s long-term role at Old Trafford.
Since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, Ugarte has found it difficult to secure a regular foothold in United’s midfield.
Under Michael Carrick, the Uruguayan has yet to start a match and has managed just 27 minutes of action across six appearances, with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro consistently favoured in central positions.
Carrick explains Ugarte’s stance on current United role
Due to his limited role at Old Trafford, there have been rumours about Ugarte departing the club in the summer. He was attracting interest in January but the Reds decided against a move.
Carrick was asked about the midfielder’s situation in his latest press conference and he explained how Ugarte is working hard behind-the-scenes.
“I like Manuel a lot,” the ex-midfielder said. “He’s been terrific around the group and hugely impressed with his attitude and how he goes about it and his training qualities.
“He’s got a lot of really good attributes, Manuel. I think that when the team is winning, there’s obviously a big upside to that. And there’s always one or two boys that maybe haven’t played so much.
“Obviously, it makes it a little bit tougher to get in the team, but I think that creates that competition as well in a really healthy way that everyone’s pushing each other.
“And Manu’s obviously desperate to get on the pitch more, and he’s doing everything he can in training, and he’s a big part of the group.
“So I think it’s just a case of the results and the boys playing so well that there’s going to be times when we might need to change things and freshen things up, and then certainly he’s a big part of that.”
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Ugarte exit makes sense
Ugarte has only came on against Manchester City, Fulham and Spurs. In all three of those games, United were 2-0 up at the point of his entry to the pitch.
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Even though he is viewed as a ‘destroyer’, Ugarte is not always the best option to keep a tight lead. The Reds lost control in the latter stages against Fulham and conceded twice before Benjamin Šeško’s last-minute winner.
It does feel like his future at the club is uncertain and a departure likely makes sense for all parties in the summer, especially with United set to sign at least two midfielders.
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