Manchester United could be ruing their choice to block Bruno Fernandes’ exit in the summer, but recent developments suggest a similar stance on another player is a bigger mistake.
The Bruno Fernandes saga was put to rest quickly after the player publicly confirmed his allegiance to Man Utd despite Al-Hilal’s money-spinning offer.
What was marked as a huge statement of intent by the club in the face of immense finances has aged badly because Fernandes has become a positional dilemma for Ruben Amorim.
It’s easy to say in hindsight that Fernandes should have been sold, and the money reinvested in a midfielder. However, in the case of another player, no hindsight is needed to reach the same conclusion.
Manuel Ugarte playing in the Manchester derby
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Man Utd blocked Manuel Ugarte’s summer exit
Manuel Ugarte’s Man Utd career is yet to truly take off with a sustained run of performances that establish him as a key player at Old Trafford.
There has been the odd battling display, which gives hope to Man Utd fans, before it is followed by another sub-par performance, highlighting his glaring flaws.
Although he has been at United for just one full season, there is an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with Ugarte that is bubbling up this season.
It was surprising, therefore, when Fabrizio Romano reported that United blocked Ugarte’s exit in the summer despite receiving inquiries.
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Romano said Italian teams offered loan moves for the Uruguayan, but it was instantly knocked back because Amorim rates the player highly.
That is evident in his team selections, too, as Ugarte continues to find himself in the first XI for marquee games despite looking a step behind the pace of the league.
However, his below-par performances are not a revelation; it’s a continuation of last season.
Utd have missed the boat on Ugarte’s exit
Under the Glazers, United were guilty of holding on to players for far too long before all their value evaporated, eventually hurting their sales record.
Ineos have done a better job on that front by earning nearly £100m on sales in both summers, but in Fernandes and Ugarte, they let their heart rule over their head.
At least Fernandes remains a marquee name who will have suitors from Saudi Arabia next summer as well, which makes the decision to block Ugarte’s exit, the biggest mistake.
Another season of poor performances will tank his value further, and United will be left wondering what could have been this summer.
Beyond the financial perspective, selling Ugarte would have made more room for Kobbie Mainoo despite Amorim’s insistence that he’s Fernandes’ backup.
The sheer number of midfielders would narrow Amorim’s options, and he’d play Mainoo.
Furthermore, his sale could have opened up a space for a wonderkid like Sekou Kone, who has been forgotten after impressing on the post-season tour last year.
Receiving interest in Ugarte but knocking it back made no sense from a financial or squad-planning perspective. United have missed the boat.