- Manchester United lose 2-1 to Leeds
- Ugarte started first game under Carrick
- Uruguayan’s Old Trafford future in doubt
Manchester United returned to action on Monday evening with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Leeds United. A dismal night unfolded for the Reds, who were second best for most of the game.
Unfortunately, Kobbie Mainoo picked up a minor injury, ruling him out. It meant that Manuel Ugarte was named in the starting eleven next to Casemiro for the first time under interim boss Michael Carrick’s spell.
Ugarte made just his 22nd league appearance of the season but came in for heavy criticism from fans. His future is uncertain amid a lack of game time and his struggles since arriving at Old Trafford.
Carrick Claims Ugarte Has Been ‘Fine’
The nightmare first half saw the Reds concede two goals from Noah Okafor. Ugarte was part of a holding midfield that struggled to contain the aggression in breaks from Daniel Farke’s team.
Rather surprisingly, he managed to last the entire game without being subbed off for his below-par performance. The side particularly struggled down the left flank, where the 25-year-old was playing with Luke Shaw and Matheus Cunha.
Speaking in the press conference after the game, Carrick was asked about Ugarte. He said:
“Since I’ve been here, when he’s played he’s been fine. Tonight was a tough game, not just for Manu, he done well when down to 10 men.”
The Uruguayan has been the subject of talks about an exit this summer. His 2/10 performance didn’t do him any favours.
Before Monday’s game, Ugarte last started a game for the Red Devils under caretaker manager Darren Fletcher in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Since Mainoo’s reintroduction into the side, Ugarte has barely had a look in. In balance and in spirit, United have looked reassured with Casemiro and Mainoo in midfield.
The former PSG man also fell out of favour with former head coach Ruben Amorim, which has restricted him to just ten starts all season. From those, the side has only won once when he has started, which is a telling sign of his detrimental effect as a United player.
Has Ugarte Played His Last Game?
All signs point towards this being the case. He has been fortunate that he is still third-choice in central midfield, as the team lacks serious depth. It has not been a pressing issue this campaign, as rotation has not been imperative due to the lack of fixtures.
However, with as many as two midfielder coming in, and possibly a third being promoted from the academy, it is the right time to part ways. Arriving from PSG, he came with much promise but has never lived up as being the South American powerhouse that fans expected.
Carrick’s definition of ‘fine’ to describe Ugarte was not exactly a glowing reference of his ability. It would be ludicrous to publicly say otherwise, especially when the club are looking to offload him.
There is some interest from Italy and the Premier League for the midfielder, but United will want to recoup as much of the £42.1m fee they paid for him. As it stands, playing him puts a clear spotlight on his capabilities. Therefore, sitting him out for the remainder of the games would not be a surprise.
