Manchester United start their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a home clash against rivals Arsenal on Sunday, with the Old Trafford faithful hopeful of three points to start the season.
There have been big changes in the Red Devils squad over the summer, with United signing Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha to bolster Ruben Amorim’s forward line.
However, there are question marks over the club’s options in midfield, with United interested in Carlos Baleba and seemingly ready to bring an additional signing to Old Trafford to compete for places in the heart of the side.
With a move for the Brighton star now off, one existing midfielder has the opportunity to stamp his mark on the United team and step up after an underwhelming first campaign at the club.
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League Final 2025
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Manuel Ugarte improvement key for United’s hopes
United signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for a £42.1 million fee last summer, with the Uruguay international brought to Manchester to add steel and energy to their midfield.
In 2024-25, the 24-year-old South American made 42 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, scoring twice and providing six assists.
There is a collective feeling that Ugarte – along with most of the United squad – underperformed in the Premier League last season and there is room for growth.
On his day, the Uruguayan has shown he can be a talisman for the Red Devils, with his aggression and tough tackling rousing an Old Trafford fanbase hungry for inspiration.
Ugarte’s work ethic is unquestionable and his physical attributes make him a better option in the United midfield than an ageing Casemiro.
However, to get closer to his potential and make more of an impact for the Red Devils this season, the South American needs to improve one element of his game.
United need Ugarte as a midfield general
While United have relied on Bruno Fernandes for creativity and a spark in the final third in recent seasons, they have lacked a midfield general to set the pace of the game and dominate possession.
Ugarte has the technical ability to be this key player at the base of the United midfield, but he needs to assert himself more, demand possession and be braver on the ball.
Manchester United FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC - Premier League
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When compared to Sunday’s direct opponent, Declan Rice, Ugarte’s 2024-25 Premier League stats are telling.
While both players had a similar pass completion percentage (Ugarte – 88.6%, Rice 89.8%), the Arsenal man’s statistics were much superior in expected assists (5.63 vs 0.69) and chances created (59 vs 10).
Successful United teams of the modern era have all had a technically gifted orchestrator in the heart of their team.
While the jury is perhaps still out on Ugarte in some quarters, the Uruguayan can turn into an integral man for United by being that driving force from deep that they crave.