Manuel Ugarte, a £50m midfielder, built for Ruben Amorim faces a key Manchester United moment this weekend.
Ruben Amorim Sends Clear Message as Manuel Ugarte Slips Back
Manuel Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford with big expectations and a heavy price tag. He looking like a natural fit for Ruben Amorim’s intense style. He had energy, intensity, and control in midfield. But weeks later, the picture looks very different.
Now, Ugarte is no longer a regular name on the Man United team sheet. His role is shrinking fast and Amorim has not hidden his frustration. Last month, he made it clear that training standards matter more than reputation.
After the Europa League final last season, Amorim said: “You can sense a lot of very good players come here, and sometimes they struggle.
“He (Ugarte) is struggling at the moment but it is our job to try to help.
“He needs to adapt, and he needs to improve, especially in training.”
🚨🚨🎙️| Ruben Amorim on Manuel Ugarte:
“A lot of very good players come here and sometimes they struggle. He is struggling in the moment. My job is trying to help him to feel as a player, like I felt when he was a Sporting player, for example.” pic.twitter.com/ye27yOIlCp
— centredevils. (@centredevils) November 23, 2025
For Ugarte, that warning was a clear message from the manager. Since then, chances have been limited, and others are now ahead of him in the pecking order. This weekend’s clash against Aston Villa could be decisive.
Weekend Test Could Decide United Future
The coming match is more than just another fixture. If Amorim keeps Ugarte on the sidelines again, it will speak louder than any press comment. A £50m player cannot live on promises alone. United are chasing stability and the boss wants players who match his demands every day.
Training effort, sharpness, and focus are non-negotiable. Ugarte’s struggle is not about talent, it is about intent. This weekend may quietly seal his short-term fate at the club. Either he forces his way back with a statement performance or watches others take his place.
Author’s opinion:
Amorim is right to be firm, even with expensive signings. If Ugarte does not respond now, his United story could fade quickly.
As featured on ManUNews.com