Manuel Ugarte was back in the starting line-up for Uruguay on Tuesday, rounding out the international break.
The Manchester United central midfielder has been at Old Trafford for almost an entire season and has already made himself a fan favourite.
Manuel Ugarte joined United permanently last summer from PSG, costing £42 million, which he has already made look cheap considering the market is overpriced.
When asked to review his first year at the club, Ugarte has said things are ‘very good’ while admitting the intensity difference between Ligue 1 and the Premier League is the biggest difference.
Ugarte has, however, missed some time through injury lately but looks ready to hit the ground running for the rest of the season. Now, he has had a decent performance for Uruguay on his 28th cap.
Photo by AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images
How Manuel Ugarte fared for Uruguay against Bolivia
Ugarte is always an interesting one to watch during the international, with the lunacy of Uruguay’s style meaning he is usually very busy in midfield.
Ugarte played the entire 90 minutes and ranked as one of Uruguay’s very best players in the game.
Despite not being at his best on the ball, Ugarte managed to create two chances, which was the most a Uruguay player managed.
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Manuel Ugarte stats vs Bolivia
Stat Vs. Boliva
Minutes 90
Passing accuracy 14/22
Chances created 2
Touches 45
Dribbles 2/5
Tackles 4/6
Defensive actions 14
Recoveries 9
Duels 8/24
Most impressively, however, were his defensive qualities, with 24 duels competed, which shows he had a very busy night.
His all-action display impressed the Uruguayan press.
Ugarte was one of the only decent performers on a bad night for Uruguay.
One outlet, El Observador, lauded Ugarte for his performance, labelling him as a “Lion” while scoring his outing a 6/10.
“Always well positioned, he blocked several balls and always gave the team a firm stance.
“He made a terrible pass on an easy ball in the 41st minute and earned a yellow card. In the 61st minute, he broke forward, well supported by Piquerez, and unleashed a dangerous shot that led to Uruguay’s clearest scoring chance. He was the one who held the most air until the end, scoring, recovering, and passing. Lion”
Additionally, Montevideo Portal reviewed Ugarte’s display, labelling him the most dangerous attacker for Uruguay.
“A little clockwork, as always. Solid in marking, as always. He won back many balls and was solid when playing deep. He was one of the most dangerous in attack. He lived up to his nickname: a lion.”