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Manchester United decided to splurge an initial €50 million to land Manuel Ugarte to solidify a midfield which was run ragged in the previous campaign.
The transfer pursuit was complicated with Paris Saint-Germain’s demands as well as Erik ten Hag’s insistence that Sofyan Amrabat be kept on instead.
The Uruguayan finally arrived but found chances hard to come by initially with the former Ajax coach mentioning that he needed time to adapt to the rigours of the English top-flight.
Eventually Ten Hag lost his job and under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, the 23-year-old finally got regular minutes, which in turn brought out his combative self.
Ugarte returning to form
Ugarte won eight tackles against the Foxes, the most since Opta started recording such data and his ability in the duel was something that was honed back home through the South American nation’s ‘Baby Fútbol’ programme.
He was everywhere against Leicester City and in tandem with Casemiro, completely stifled the Foxes of the ball and new head coach Ruben Amorim will be extremely pleased with Ugarte’s return to form.
The Uruguay international has played under the Portuguese tactician during his time in Sporting Lisbon and the duo could form a lethal partnership yet again, this time at Old Trafford.
During an interview with club media, the former PSG star spoke of the pressure associated with playing for the Red Devils and how that will bring out the best in him.
He also mentioned how there is no club like United for him, words which will endear him with the Old Trafford faithful further.
“There is no team like United,” he said before adding that playing for United “carries with it a responsibility, and that is a great thing”.
For far too long the club have brought in mercenaries for hire by paying big money, a Glazers ploy that did not work out and thus, INEOS are looking in a different direction.
Ugarte delighted
And Ugarte’s arrival is proof that by bringing in young talent who are genuinely interested in the move could be the real catalyst for a much-needed change.
The defensive midfielder had tweeted “FINALLY!!!!!!!” when the deal to join the 20-time English league champions went through, which shows how much he wanted the move.
“Well, at first I was relaxed. Then, as the days passed I was desperate to get it done and join. Now I am here! It’s incredible.”
INEOS have signed young players like Ugarte and are focussing on similar profiles, players who are capable of improving further. That is certainly the way forward and Amorim, who knows a thing or two about nurturing talent, can finally take this club back to the top.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images