Manchester United spent significantly in the summer transfer window, but somehow Manuel Ugarte is still starting, even in a crucial game against Manchester City.
After a disappointing 2024/2025 campaign, United knew that they needed to bring in reinforcements ahead of the new season. INEOS subsequently spent around £216m in the summer transfer window, with a heavy focus being on bringing in players in the final third, rather than defensively or in the middle of the park.
The Red Devils still need to strengthen in certain areas despite their summer spending, and it will be interesting to see whether they use the January market to bring in further additions. It's been a mixed start to the 2025/2026 season for Ruben Amorim's side. They started with a defeat at home to Arsenal, before drawing with Fulham. They narrowly defeated newly promoted Burnley before the international break, while they were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
Manuel Ugarte Shouldn't be a Starter for Man Utd
Manuel Ugarte celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Everton
When United's team sheet was released on Sunday, many were surprised to see Ugarte lining up in the middle of the park for the Red Devils. The Uruguayan has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, and after a summer transfer window that saw them spent over £200m, he shouldn't be someone starting in one of their biggest games of the season.
United have struggled to develop into a side capable of building out from the back with ease, with a large part of that down to Ugarte's struggles having the ball at his feet in the defensive third. Ugarte has shown he's able to win the ball back and apply pressure to opposition attackers, but he's regularly guilty of being overly aggressive and giving away needless fouls.
Over the next couple of transfer windows, it wouldn't be a surprise to see United go all out for a new midfielder, particularly a player who is comfortable on the ball and can play progressively from deep. Kobbie Mainoo might develop into that profile of player in the future, but it's clear that United boss Amorim doesn't fancy him at the moment.
United spent significantly bringing Ugarte in, and he earns around £150,000-a-week at Old Trafford, but he shouldn't be a starter in this side if they want to progress.