Manchester United are in the midst of a fixture list straight from hell and circumstances surrounding the game haven’t made it any easier.
From playing against Ipswich with ten men to going the extra mile against Fulham on penalties and a midweek trip to Spain, it hasn’t been easy in the slightest.
Furthermore, the team was already injury-hit prior to this run, and with an intense game against Arsenal in the background, the second leg for the Sociedad game awaits.
Fortunately, Ruben Amorim might be about to get his most trusted lieutenant back in the fold for the crucial game on which United’s whole season hangs.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Manuel Ugarte injury update from Ruben Amorim
Amorim has had to make do with running back the midfield pair on its last legs – Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, in the absence of alternatives.
Kobbie Mainoo remains on the sidelines, while Toby Collyer only just returned to action. Mason Mount is effectively a bonus squad member at this point.
Manuel Ugarte has gained untouchable status at Man Utd since Ruben Amorim came in so his injury was the most worrisome of all as it caused him to miss the Sociedad away game.
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After dropping out from the Arsenal game as well, Amorim provided an injury update on Manuel Ugarte and it instantly increases United’s chances of progression in the Europa League.
Talking to multiple media outlets, Amorim sounded hopeful and confident that Ugarte will return for that game. He told one, “Maybe Ugarte [returns for Sociedad], I don’t know, we’ll see”.
He was more confident in another interview, saying, “I think Manu will return.”
Ugarte is untouchable in Amorim’s ideal Man Utd
After United’s encouraging performance against Arsenal, and Casemiro playing well, there’s an argument to be had that the Brazilian deserves to continue playing.
That gains further strength because Casemiro shone against Sociedad in the first leg as well, however, Amorim has already made one thing clear.
He said after the game that Casemiro flourishes in a system he doesn’t want to play at Old Trafford, which is where Ugarte comes into the picture.
For the manager to be able to implement his dominant, high-pressing style, he needs the legs of Ugarte to cover spaces instead of going for short-termism and sitting Casemiro at the base of a counter-attacking team.
Sociedad won’t be as adventurous as Arsenal were, so United will have to take the initiative by throwing players forward.
For that to happen, Ugarte’s engine is the untouchable part of the squad. His return couldn’t be timed better.