Manuel Ugarte was signed last summer to sure up a midfield which had been run ragged throughout the 2023/24 season.
The infamous Erik ten Hag midfield structure now looks like a distant memory which saw Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro often left exposed in midfield.
The structure was to blame, with the back line sitting far too deep in comparison with the midfield, which was engaged in a high press.
Under Ruben Amorim, this has now been solved, with a far better team structure leading to improved Manchester United performances.
Instead of the gung-ho style we saw last season, Amorim has made Casemiro roll back the years by moulding the system to suit the Brazilian amid injury issues in the past few months.
However, when fit it is Manuel Ugarte who has been benefitting from the system.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Manuel Ugarte gives verdict on Manchester United debut season
While far from perfect, Ugarte has been impressive in his debut season at United, which suggests he could shine in the coming years once he adapts to English football completely.
Currently, on international duty with Uruguay, Ugarte has been asked about his season with United during an interview by El Pais.
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Ugarte described his maiden campaign as being “very good” before going on to explain his reasoning.
“It’s a very complicated and intense league. I’m seeing the season as positive. I’m coming off a minor injury, but I’m enjoying it because I’m playing.”
Ugarte already looks like a successful signing and individually he has had a good season. Ugarte has adapted well and United are much better with him in the team than without.
Manuel Ugarte is already a Ruben Amorim favourite
Having worked together at Sporting CP, Ugarte embodies what Amorim wants from his players and therefore is a key factor of making the system work.
Ugarte is sure to be one of the starting midfielders next season, with Casemiro likely to be on the exit list for United and a replacement more than likely to be a youngster – perhaps even one already at the club.
Ugarte stats Premier League 24/25
Stat per 90 # Percentile
Pass accuracy % 88.6% 75th
Long pass acuracy % 65.2% 83rd
Tackles won 2.50 92nd
Duels won 7.58 89th
Interceptions 1.42 75th
Ugarte excels in almost every department that a number six should and when the team around him improves, the idea would be that he will also improve.
Ugarte will benefit from United being able to play higher up the pitch as he shines winning the ball high up.