Manuel Ugarte has criticised his own performance levels this season, while sending a message to Ruben Amorim about his place in the team.
Manchester United have endured a slow start to the 2025/26 season after winning just one of their first four matches.
That first win came last weekend, with United beating Burnley 3-2 after allowing Scott Parker’s side to score two equalisers.
Now, some of Ruben Amorim’s squad have joined up with their national teams for the September international break.
United fans will be hoping that results improve after the international break, starting with the Manchester derby on Sunday, 14 September.
That will require better performances from our players as Amorim continues to assemble his best team to secure wins in the Premier League.
Manuel Ugarte warming up against Fulham
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Manuel Ugarte reviews Man Utd start of the season
United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has reflected on a poor start, including a personal objective for the remainder of the campaign.
The 24-year-old has not started a Premier League match for United this season, having dropped down the pecking order.
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Ugarte’s only start of the season came in the embarrassing defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, where he was hooked at half-time. He was also overlooked on the bench in the win over Burnley on Saturday.
Speaking to El Observador, Ugarte gave an honest reflection on the season so far and revealed that he is aiming to get back into the team this season.
“We haven’t started the season very well,” Ugarte said. “My level wasn’t the best either, we have to be realistic and honest.
“But I’m very confident, I have a very good relationship with the coach. I work well and I’m very excited and eager to earn a starting spot.”
Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain last year, but he has yet to acclimatise to the pace of English football.
Would love to know what Erik ten Hag saw in Manuel Ugarte to make him think he would improve Manchester United when he signed him.
Amorim inherited him and, despite working with him before, he can’t get a tune out of him.
Stands out for all of the wrong reasons.
— Callum McFadden (@Callum7McFadden) August 17, 2025
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Ugarte running out of time at Man Utd
Even though Ugarte only joined United last year, the midfield ace runs the risk of being sold next summer if he doesn’t prove himself this season.
Rasmus Hojlund was given two seasons to impress and failed to reach the required standards before being sent back to Italy.
United’s midfield is an area of concern, but an in-form Ugarte could mould himself into what Amorim needs in the middle.
Sadly, Ugarte has not shown enough of his qualities since signing for the Red Devils.