Man United have not seen the best version of Manuel Ugarte this season, meaning they could be forced into recruiting another midfielder for big-money this summer.
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TNT Sports pundit Paul Scholes.
Paul Scholes expressed concerns about the signing of Manuel Ugarte.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images.)
It would be fair to say Manuel Ugarte has not set the world alight in his first season at Manchester United.
After being the subject of interest and back and forth negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for much of last summer, United got a deal over the line for the midfielder on the final day of the transfer window.
United were desperate to add a defensive presence to their midfield amid Casemiro's sharp decline in 2023/24 and Ugarte was drafted in for an initial fee of £42.3million, with a further £8.5m to be paid in add-ons.
Ugarte was drafted in with the expectation of providing a much-needed defensive presence. United's midfield often went missing last season, with huge gaps being exposed on countless occasions.
Ugarte was an attainable option after not being deemed of having a long-term future in the French capital. On paper, it looked like a smart addition from United's point of view.
However, there was huge pressure on his shoulders to deliver the goods from the start. United needed somebody to marshal their midfield and provide some steel and grit.
However, before he had even made his debut for United, legendary midfielder Paul Scholes expressed concerns that Ugarte would not be able to single-handedly fix United's midfield woes.
"He's going to have to be some player," said Scholes, speaking last September. "I think he will play the position well, he's still 23, he's had a few clubs which slightly concerns you.
"But he does play the position well. I don't think he'll vacate that area as much as we've seen, a bit more discipline, he'll plug the gaps I hope, that's going to be his role.
Paul Scholes embraces Manuel Ugarte on the Old Trafford touchline.
Paul Scholes (left) met Manuel Ugarte last year.(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
"I don't think he's going to be the greatest of playmakers – I don't think you're looking at a Toni Kroos. [Erik ten Hag] needs discipline in there, he's obviously seen that already. Casemiro, okay, not great legs. I don't think [Kobbie] Mainoo as an athlete is that great. He relies more on his manipulation of the ball and his quality on the ball.
"Ugarte has got to be everything. He's going to have to be some player to make this team better, it's a big job on his hands and I just can't see it."
Ugarte, who was not Ten Hag's first-choice option to fix United's midfield last summer, has provided United with a defensive presence this season, with his best run of form arguably coming in January, with his performances away to Liverpool and Arsenal particularly impressive.
However, the increased pace of the Premier League in comparison to what he had previously been used to has hindered him. He was caught out for West Ham United's second goal at Old Trafford earlier this month, being dispossessed when trying to turn with the ball, and that pinpointed a flaw in his game.
The Uruguayan does not have the same amount of time to dictate proceedings as he did in France and Portugal, meaning concerns have been raised about his suitability as a starter for United. The Reds, once more, could find themselves on the hunt for a midfielder this summer that can take the ball on the half turn and progress the play, while at the same time offering a defensive presence.
Expected to excel after being reunited with Ruben Amorim, his absence from United's starting XI for their final three games of the season felt telling, particularly for the Europa League final last week.
By no means should United give up on Ugarte yet, but he has not been as perfect as they would have hoped for, meaning Scholes' concerns have been vindicated. However, they may feel the need to buy an upgrade this summer.