Rúben Amorim cannot start one of Manchester United’s current crop against Arsenal after he failed to impress against Everton.
Manchester United’s fourth pre-season game of the summer finished in a 2-2 draw against Everton, as Rúben Amorim’s side were twice pegged back despite taking the lead on both occasions.
The match began with a mixed display from United, who combined some promising passages of play with careless mistakes in possession. Nonetheless, they went ahead around the 20-minute mark when Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted home a penalty won by Amad.
United continued to push forward, but defensive lapses allowed Everton back into the game, and Iliman Ndiaye levelled just before half-time after Manuel Ugarte lost the ball under pressure.
The second half opened up, and it was substitute Mason Mount who restored United’s lead with a superb curling strike past Jordan Pickford. However, Everton drew level once more when Amad’s attempted challenge deflected off Ayden Heaven and trickled beyond Altay Bayındır, sealing the draw.
Ugarte failed to impress vs Everton
United’s first game of their United States tour saw Ugarte play well in a 2-1 win against West Ham, but his two subsequent fixtures against Bournemouth and Everton left much to be desired.
The Uruguayan international was “shocking” against the Toffees, often looking slow or lax on the ball, turning over possession to Everton way too often while trying to break the lines.
Ugarte was a source of confidence to the Merseyside team throughout the tie, either as a player they could easily pressure or losing his footing at crucial moments.
He made a few good tackles throughout the game, but was by far the weakest link in United’s midfield and attack, failing to keep up with United’s technically skilled players around him.
Ugarte’s performances this summer indicate that he is not ready to start against Arsenal. Despite Casemiro not looking completely up to speed, either, he is a much safer bet.
Ugarte the biggest loser of United’s transfer business
While Ugarte was great at times last season when Amorim’s men had their backs against the wall, now that United is becoming a more dominant team, his flaws are becoming more apparent.
Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs Everton (pre-season)
United’s signings of Cunha and Mbeumo have helped the side elevate their technical quality, with Amad, Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and the new duo all far superior to Ugarte with the ball at their feet.
Amorim wants a dynamic and hungry midfielder who is capable of playing through the lines and is comfortable in possession, and Ugarte falls short of this.
While the club are focusing on trying to secure RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško up front as their new striker, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a midfielder must be signed this summer, too.
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