- Manchester United midfielder bradished ‘worst ever’
- Manuel Ugarte had a horrific first 45 minutes
- Kobbie Mainoo never needed more
Manuel Ugarte endured what was quite possibly his worst 45 minutes in a United shirt, as Manchester United fell to a shock 2-0 deficit at half-time against Leeds United.
Noah Okafor gave the visitors a 2-0 lead in the first half, thanks in part to poor defending from the Reds. The hosts went down to 10 men when Lisandro Martinez was sent off after pulling on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
The one-man disadvantage actually seemed to liven United up and they got themselves back into the game. Bruno Fernandes came up with another assist, finding Casemiro with a superb ball that was headed home.
Manchester United 1-2 Leeds: Ugarte Stumbles
Ugarte stood out for all the wrong reasons, producing a torrid opening 45. Yet Michael Carrick kept faith, sending United out unchanged after the break.
In that first half, Ugarte lost possession six times, made just one tackle, and misplaced five passes.
His distribution lacked any control or rhythm, and the Uruguayan struggled badly throughout. But Carrick kept his faith in him, even moving him to centre-back after Lisandro Martinez’s sending off.
Some may come to his defence by talking about his lack of time in a United shirt. And whilst that may be true, Ugarte recently featured in both of Uruguay’s most recent international friendlies.
‘100% The End’ – Fans on Ugarte
Fans on social media were quick to call out Ugarte, with one of them even dubbing him ‘the worst player in the club’s history.’ One fan wrote on X:
“If Carrick sends Manuel Ugarte out for the second half he cannot get the job full time or in fact ever be employed in football again,” one fan was quick to say.
Another claimed that the club needs “three midfielders” in the summer, with Casemiro set to leave, and Ugarte “needs to get rid of asap.”
Another claimed that Ugarte is:
“The antithesis of Manchester United. Nothing but poor quality, negative actions and piss poor work rate.”
One fan made his point even clearer, stating simply:
“All things considered Ugarte is our worst player ever.”
Another fan chimed in on the discussion by claiming:
“This is 100% the end of Ugarte’s United career at least.”
Ugarte exit part of rebuild
There is no doubt that Manchester United need a summer rebuild, particularly in midfield.
As one social media user put it, Casemiro is heading for the exit, while Ugarte has not shown enough to justify a consistent role.
Elliot Anderson offers the structural fix. A technical engine in midfield, Anderson would excel alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
But he cannot be the only addition—if United even manage to secure his signature.
Tonight exposed the need for at least one more midfielder who can step in when required. Right now, the club cannot rely on Ugarte.
