Man United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has admitted that he hasn’t played well in the club’s first 4 games this campaign.
The Uruguayan was hauled off at half-time during the Carabao Cup second round defeat to Grimsby Town, and speaking on international duty, he said:
“We haven’t started the season very well. My level wasn’t the best either; we have to be realistic and honest, but I’m very confident.”
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“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’s form has been shocking
For a player who could cost £50m if all add-ons are paid, the 24-year-old has performed well below expectations.
It was hoped that after his former Sporting Lisbon boss, Ruben Amorim, was appointed that Ugarte’s displays would start to improve, but that hasn’t been the case.
This season, the midfielder has played the last 20 minutes against Arsenal and Fulham, respectively and, after his woeful showing against Grimsby last week, he didn’t even make it off the substitutes bench versus Burnley on Saturday.
Man United have not strengthened in midfield
Despite Ugarte’s struggles, Amorim will be forced into using him on a regular basis between now and the New Year after the Red Devils failed to bring in a midfielder.
There was strong interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba but his £100m+ valuation was too pricey. Other names were considered, including former Chelsea player Conor Gallagher.
Journalist Ben Jacobs claims an enquiry was made for the England international on Deadline Day, but his current club, Atletico Madrid, were not interested in letting him leave on loan. It’s clear that United did not have the funds required to reinforce the middle of the park in any meaningful way.
Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here