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Incoming Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has expressed his eagerness to once again work with Manuel Ugarte.
Amorim is set to officially start work at United on Monday after serving a reduced notice period in Lisbon.
He replaces Erik ten Hag following the Dutchman’s dismissal at the end of last month. Amorim’s first game as United boss will see him come up against Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town on November 24 at Portman Road.
The 39-year-old tactician will be reunited with Ugarte, who joined United in the summer from reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The pair worked together at Sporting before Ugarte got a big money transfer to PSG in 2023. Ugarte recently revealed that his United teammates have been asking him a lot about Amorim and what to expect.
Amorim spoke to TNT Sports México and revealed his admiration for Uruguayan footballers, while also stating his keenness to manage Ugarte once more.
He told the news outlet, “All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible and that’s why I love all Uruguayans.”
“Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow.”
Amorim added, “I am very happy to know that I have him back at Manchester United.”
Amorim’s remarks will undoubtedly bode well for Ugarte, who has not had the best start to life at Old Trafford.
The tenacious midfielder has shown flashes of quality, particularly in cup competitions, though he has occasionally seemed to struggle with the pace and intensity of the Premier League.
Ugarte played the finest football of his career under Amorim, and there’s no one better suited to bring out his best than the former Braga and Casa Pia manager.
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