Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has responded to questions about his lack of game time.
Manuel Ugarte has struggled for minutes with Manchester United in 2025/26, with only seven starts to his name.
His last league start came in United’s 2-2 draw at Burnley. New coach Michael Carrick has made it clear that he prefers Kobbie Mainoo.
This week Ugarte has a change of environment as he is with the Uruguay national team.
They play two fixtures, one against England at Wembley, before a game against Algeria that is being held in Turin, Italy.
Manuel Ugarte with substitute's bib
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
United now plan for the new stadium to be ready for 2035 – What do you think about this?
Getty Images
Ugarte staying positive
Manuel Ugarte spoke last week to say that his lack of regular football could end up benefiting Uruguay at the World Cup as it will mean he is fresh.
Now in fresh comments via ESPN, Ugarte has admitted he does miss starting every week.
More United News
“I feel good physically; there’s something about playing that nothing else gives you, but I’m fine.
“It sounds like a cliché, but it’s what you learn the most from.”
Ugarte then commented to say that he has to be realistic, claiming being left out is something that all players have to adjust to – unless they are true superstars like Federico Valverde, his Uruguay teammate.
“There are hardly any players who play every game, maybe only Fede Valverde.
“It’s something you have to learn to deal with, and it’s part of the career. I’ve learned a lot, and I know my opportunity will come.”
Ugarte will hope to prove a point against England this week, when he could line up against his Manchester United teammate Kobbie Mainoo.
Do you want Manuel Ugarte to be a Manchester United player for the 2026/27 season?
Manuel Ugarte playing against Fulham
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Ugarte optimistic for World Cup
This summer Ugarte faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, with the club planning a midfield rebuild.
His first focus will be on Uruguay, where he could end up putting himself in the shop window.
Ugarte is more focused on team success, and has high hopes that his country can perform well, after reaching the Copa America semi-finals in 2024.
“One thing we talked about is that we need to get back to the form we had at the start of the Copa América. With that form, we can beat anyone. Everyone contributing from their position, we have to reach that level.
“Playing well, we can beat anyone, and we can also lose to anyone, as we saw against the United States. Focusing on the first match will be crucial; that changes everything.”
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox