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Manchester United’s pursuit of excellence continues with their latest move in the transfer market. The club has successfully secured a £50 million deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the Uruguayan midfielder, Manuel Ugarte. This transfer represents a strategic effort by United to strengthen their midfield, a critical area that struggled last season due to the decline in Casemiro’s performance and the departure of Scott McTominay. In this article, we’ll explore what Ugarte brings to the table, how he fits into Erik ten Hag’s tactical setup, and what this transfer means for United’s ambitions.
Casemiro’s arrival at Manchester United was initially seen as a masterstroke. His experience, tactical intelligence, and ability to control the tempo of games made him a key figure in United’s midfield. However, last season revealed the physical limitations that come with age. The Brazilian midfielder, once renowned for his ability to cover large spaces, break up opposition attacks, and provide a protective shield for the defense, found himself increasingly exposed. His athleticism waned, and while his technical skills remained intact, he struggled to keep up with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
Casemiro’s declining form, combined with the departure of Scott McTominay, left a void in United’s midfield that needed to be addressed. Enter Manuel Ugarte, a young, dynamic midfielder whose style of play is tailor-made for the Premier League.
Manuel Ugarte is a 23-year-old Uruguayan midfielder who made his mark at Sporting CP before moving to PSG. His playing style is characterized by physicality, aggression, and a relentless work rate—qualities that have become synonymous with South American midfielders. At PSG, Ugarte was known for his ability to break up play, recover possession, and cover significant ground. These attributes made him a crucial part of PSG’s midfield, especially in the early part of the 2023 season.
Ugarte’s physical nature, combined with his ability to read the game and execute timely tackles, makes him an ideal candidate to fill the void left by Casemiro’s decline. However, Ugarte is not just a destroyer in the midfield. He possesses good ball control and is comfortable dictating the tempo of the game, making him a well-rounded midfielder capable of both defensive duties and contributing to the build-up play.
Erik ten Hag is known for his tactical flexibility, but his system relies heavily on having a robust midfield. The signing of Ugarte provides Ten Hag with a midfielder who can complement the existing talents at United while also bringing something new to the table.
1. Defensive Solidity:
Ugarte’s primary strength lies in his defensive capabilities. He is adept at reading the game and intercepting passes, making him a valuable asset in breaking up opposition play. His physicality allows him to compete effectively in duels, which is crucial in the Premier League, where the pace and physical demands are higher than in most other leagues.
2. Versatility in Midfield:
One of the key questions surrounding Ugarte’s integration into the United squad is how he will fit alongside Casemiro. There are a couple of potential setups that Ten Hag could employ:
Double Pivot: Ugarte could be deployed alongside Casemiro in a double pivot, where Casemiro takes on the role of controlling the tempo and distribution, while Ugarte focuses on the defensive work. This setup would allow United to maintain a solid defensive foundation while also freeing up their attacking players.
Rotation and Depth: Another possibility is that Ugarte could rotate with Casemiro, providing Ten Hag with the option to rest the Brazilian without losing the defensive solidity in midfield. In this scenario, Ugarte could start against teams where physical battles are expected, while Casemiro could be utilized in games where United expect to dominate possession.
3. Long-Term Midfield Partnership:
Ugarte’s arrival also hints at a long-term strategy for United’s midfield. Alongside 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, Ugarte could form a midfield partnership that would serve United for the next decade. Mainoo’s technical ability and creative flair combined with Ugarte’s defensive prowess would provide United with a balanced and dynamic midfield duo.
Despite his qualities, Ugarte’s time at PSG was not without challenges. He made 25 appearances in the 2023 season, showing promise early on, even earning a nomination for the UNFP Player of the Month. However, as the season progressed, Ugarte found himself out of favor under Luis Enrique. Reports suggested that Enrique preferred more technically gifted players like Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha, who offered more in terms of ball control and creativity.
This situation led to Ugarte being relegated to the bench, sparking speculation about his future at the club. However, it’s essential to understand that Ugarte’s struggles at PSG were more about tactical preferences rather than a lack of ability. His skill set is more suited to the Premier League, where his physical style of play will be better appreciated.
Ugarte’s signing is a statement of intent from Manchester United. It shows that the club is not only looking to build for the present but also planning for the future. With Ugarte, United have acquired a player who is not only capable of performing at a high level now but also has the potential to grow into a world-class midfielder.
1. Enhanced Squad Depth:
The addition of Ugarte enhances United’s squad depth, particularly in the midfield. This depth will be crucial as United compete on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.
2. Tactical Flexibility:
Ugarte’s versatility allows Ten Hag to experiment with different formations and strategies, giving United an edge in adapting to various opponents and in-game situations.
3. Long-Term Stability:
With Ugarte and Mainoo potentially anchoring the midfield for years to come, United have the foundation to build a team capable of sustained success.
While Ugarte’s signing is undoubtedly positive, there are still some considerations that need to be addressed:
Adaptation to the Premier League: While Ugarte’s physicality suggests he will adapt well to the Premier League, the transition from Ligue 1 to the Premier League is not always straightforward. The pace of the game, the intensity of the fixtures, and the scrutiny of the media can be challenging for any player.
Competition for Places: Ugarte will face stiff competition for a starting spot, not only from Casemiro but also from other midfielders in the squad. How he handles this competition and how Ten Hag manages the squad rotation will be key.
Integration with the Team: Ugarte will need to quickly integrate with his new teammates, understanding their playing styles and building chemistry, especially with potential midfield partners like Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
The signing of Manuel Ugarte represents a significant investment in Manchester United’s future. His arrival is not just about filling a gap left by Casemiro’s decline but about building a midfield capable of dominating for years to come. With Ugarte in the fold, United fans have every reason to be optimistic about the club’s prospects in the upcoming season and beyond.
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