- Manuel Ugarte’s Man Utd future in doubt
- Uruguayan first to leave training
- Should be leaving permanently this summer
When Manchester United signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, many believed the club had signed an ideal long-term defensive midfielder. The Uruguayan struggled to break into the Parisians’ team but had caught the eye during his time at Sporting CP.
A warrior who boasted remarkable tackling statistics, it seemed certain he’d be a hit at Old Trafford. A £50m deal was even celebrated by fans on social media with lines such as “INEOS you’ve saved my life,” “This is madness”, and “we are moving.”
Ugarte should have been the perfect Casemiro heir but instead has flopped and looks certain to be headed for the exit door this summer. Perhaps the magnitude of representing the Red Devils has proved too much to handle.
Ugh-arte
The issue is that Ugarte doesn’t seem to be trying, certainly judging by a report from Samuel Luckhurst. Writing for The Sun, the journalists revealed that the 25-year-old is the first player to leave after training:
“Manuel Ugarte remains the first to leave Carrington after training. The last player to leave tends to be Bruno Fernandes, who sometimes leaves the premises as late as 5pm. Michael Carrick’s dedication to the job is also apparent, as he tends to clock out at 6pm most days.”
The issue with this is a clear disconnect from what makes a United player successful. You need to put your all into the club and show a willingness to improve much like Bruno Fernandes.
Maybe the Uruguayan has a while to travel home, but if your career is at a crossroads like his, why wouldn’t you show more fight? It’s just another concern for fans who have watched him capitalise on the pitch.
Time to go
Ugarte has started just eight of 22 league games this season and Michael Carrick even preferred to start Mason Mount alongside Kobbie Mainoo last Saturday. That’s an indication of just how low down the pecking order he now is.
A sale is best for everyone because Ugarte just isn’t going to succeed at United. While there are various factors beyond his control, such as joining a team that had been enduring a disastrous period, he isn’t helping himself.
The Reds are set for a midfield overhaul with Casemiro leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season. Moving Ugarte on allows INEOS to further strengthen Carrick’s midfield and provide it with strong depth.
