Bruno Fernandes was again the pick of Man Utd players on international duty, but the bigger boost is his teammate’s renaissance.
From Manchester United’s perspective, the heroics of Bruno Fernandes for Portugal are a repeatable story every international break.
The same is true this time, as Fernandes was a creative machine in the goalless draw against Mexico, before delivering two assists in the 2-0 win against the USA.
However, the biggest boost this international break has arrived from the most unexpected source in a story of true renaissance.
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Kobbie Mainoo playing for England against Uruguay
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Manuel Ugarte has been reborn for Uruguay
To say that Manuel Ugarte has struggled at Old Trafford would be a massive understatement.
From being signed in a package deal with Leny Yoro to losing the trust of Ruben Amorim, who was the architect of his Sporting breakout, nothing has gone right for him at United.
In the last few Uruguay outings before this international break, his time with the national team wasn’t going as well either.
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Marcelo Bielsa repeatedly challenged Ugarte to do more, and he just wasn’t living up to it.
Until now.
Uruguay played two challenging games against England and Algeria, and Ugarte missed just three minutes of football across these games.
He was a nuisance against England, even riling up Harry Maguire in the process, and he improved on those levels against Algeria.
His skills on the ball were a pleasant surprise against the African side, as his 88 touches, 62 passes, and all-around defensive work made him stand out. [Stats courtesy Fotmob]
Ugarte’s renaissance is perfectly timed
This renaissance comes at the perfect time for all parties.
Do you want Manuel Ugarte to be a Manchester United player for the 2026/27 season?
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Ugarte is solidifying his case to be Federico Valverde’s first-choice midfield partner. Uruguay are benefiting from a settled pairing, and Michael Carrick will see a rejuvenated player return to Carrington.
With seven games left in the season, the need to rotate won’t be much, but if Ugarte can step onto the pitch and keep the levels up, United’s bench immediately looks more stacked.
That hasn’t been the case so far as Ugarte has been a walking disaster in most appearances, but his Uruguay performances should fill him with belief.
He faces a tough summer window ahead with his future at United in doubt, so the club will benefit either way if he starts doing well.
They can sell him from a position of strength instead of desperation, or keep him as a solid squad option in preparation for four competitions next season.
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