Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has given his take on his poor start to the season while on international duty in Uruguay.
Manuel Ugarte has started the season on the bench for Manchester United, despite being a favourite of Rúben Amorim when the two worked together in Lisbon for Sporting CP.
The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is competing with Casemiro for a spot in the starting 11, alongside either Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot.
Ugarte’s only start of the season so far was against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, but he has appeared from the bench on several occasions, including in the Premier League opener against Arsenal.
In the 65th minute, Ugarte replaced Casemiro and failed to win a single ground duel during his time on the pitch. Also, when playing out from the back, Ugarte played it straight to Kai Havertz to start an Arsenal counterattack.
While the defensive midfielder has played well in a United shirt, he is yet to find the form that led Erik ten Hag to spend over £50 million to sign him.
Ugarte responds to poor start
Ugarte has travelled to Uruguay for the international break, and while back in his home country, he was asked about his start to the season.
“We haven’t started the season very well,” said Ugarte to El Observador. “My level wasn’t the best either. We have to be realistic and honest.
“But I’m very confident, I have a very good relationship with the coach, I’m working well, and I’m very excited and eager to earn a starting spot.”
Ugarte could be back in the starting side after the international break, with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount picking up injuries in United’s win over Burnley.
He could partner Casemiro in the double pivot against Manchester City, allowing Amorim to choose a more defensive approach. Alternatively, Mainoo could fill in, or Amad could join the front three, with Diogo Dalot switching to right-wing-back.
Does Ugarte have a future in Manchester?
While United chose to pursue a striker instead of a midfielder in the summer transfer window, their love for Carlos Baleba was clear for all to see, and the Red Devils would have signed him if Brighton hadn’t demanded such a high fee.
If Baleba did move to Old Trafford, Amorim would have been forced into selling at least one of his defensive-minded midfielders – Casemiro or Ugarte – as the Cameroonian would partner Fernandes or Mainoo.
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It is unclear who Jason Wilcox would have sold in that case, but Casemiro has started every Premier League match so far this season, while Ugarte has been stuck on the bench.
Next summer, Ugarte may have the advantage over the Brazilian due to his age, but what’s stopping United from buying more than one midfielder? The two defensive midfielders could both be forced out next summer.
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