Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim needs to axe Manuel Ugarte from the starting XI for their Europa League final clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
Ugarte has come under plenty of criticism in recent months since his arrival at Old Trafford, with the Uruguayan midfielder struggling to make the impact expected. Ruben Amorim likes his teams to build out from the back and through the midfield, and the players in the middle of the park are incredibly important in getting it right.
Ugarte has shown signs of being a smart signing, but he's also looked like he struggles with the pace of the Premier League. United are approaching the biggest game of their season, facing Tottenham in the final for a chance to not only lift a trophy, but also qualify for the Champions League.
Amorim Must Axe Ugarte for Man Utd
He shouldn't play the Europa League final
Manuel Ugarte in action for Manchester United
If Amorim wants to implement his style fully at Old Trafford, then Ugarte, described as 'dreadful' for a performance against West Ham United recently, might not be the answer. The former PSG midfielder struggles to receive the ball on the half turn and play progressively, which hampers how United try and build out from the back.
Ugarte
Amorim has a huge decision to make in the middle of the park, with Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Ugarte, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes among those pushing for a start. Against Chelsea last time out, Casemiro and Fernandes started in the midfield, with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo ahead of them.
Ugarte was introduced in the second half for Casemiro, and just minutes later, Chelsea scored the winner through Marc Cucurella. If Amorim wants to continue with his current system and get it to work, then axeing Ugarte, as soon as Wednesday, could be what he needs to do to save his job.
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Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace
United should be looking to bring in a player of a similar profile to Adam Wharton, or just go and sign the Crystal Palace midfielder. The England international is incredibly comfortable on the ball and allows Palace to evade the press of the opposition with ease.
The 'incredible' star is a target for United according to TEAMtalk, but a host of clubs are considering a move to sign the young midfielder. Palace managed to sign Wharton from Championship side Blackburn Rovers for around half of what United paid for Ugarte, and there's no doubt the former has adapted to life in the Premier League quicker.
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