Manuel Ugarte is viewed as an important player by Ruben AmorimManuel Ugarte is viewed as an important player by Ruben Amorim
Manuel Ugarte is viewed as an important player by Ruben Amorim | Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd have shown signs on improvement since Ruben Amorim took charge of the club.
Manchester United might be on course for their lowest-ever Premier League finish, but summer signing Manuel Ugarte still thinks it has been a 'very good' debut season at his new club.
United completed the signing of Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial fee of £42 million, but the deal could be worth as much as £50.7m including performance-related add-ons. The Uruguayan was identified as the top midfield target by former manager Erik ten Hag but has ended up playing under former Sporting mentor Ruben Amorim instead.
Ugarte has made 33 appearances for United across all competitions and has played a key midfield role since Amorim took charge last November. It has certainly been an eye-opening debut campaign in English football, but Ugarte has relished the learning curve, even if his side have failed to meet expectations.
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'Positive' debut season at Manchester United
Manuel Ugarte has been away on international duty with Uruguay over the March break but was quizzed on his debut season with Manchester United. Speaking to various media outlets at Carrasco Airport in Montevideo, he described the move as 'very good' and added: "It's a very complicated and intense league. I'm seeing a positive season. I'm coming off a minor injury, but I'm enjoying it because I'm playing."
Ruben Amorim has been impressed by Ugarte's improvement since he arrived at the club and believes he will only get better once he has had more time to implement his tactical imprint on the squad.
Speaking back in January, the United head coach gave his verdict on Ugarte and the difference he had seen in the player since they worked together at Sporting. “I think he has become better with the ball since then, and in playing between the lines,” he told reporters. “He’s continued to be an aggressive player, but I think he has improved in many ways.
“He is from Uruguay, which can help, but he is a good example. It is a really important position in the team, so it was easier to pass the [tactical] message to Ugarte, but I think others are also improving. A lot of players are giving their best. I think Kobbie has also improved a lot during these last few matches.”
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