After watching Liverpool run rings around Casemiro in midfield prior to the international break, Manchester United fans prayed that Manuel Ugarte would be available for selection for the upcoming trip to St. Mary’s – and their prayers were answered.
Speaking during his press conference on Thursday, manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that the new signing is set to make his debut against Southampton this weekend.
So, what can United fans expect from the midfielder?
We’re glad you asked.
Here’s all you need to know.
Mobility
It’s the one thing that United fans have been crying out for in midfield, and it’s the thing that current starter Casemiro simply doesn’t have the legs to provide anymore.
Ugarte has the youthful legs and lung capacity needed to be the engine room in the Red Devils’ midfield. If ever watched him play for Uruguay, Sporting CP or Paris Saint-Germain in recent years, chances are you’ve seen Ugarte track back to make a thumping challenge, then burst out of the defensive third with the ball at his feet, dragging his team upfield in the process.
That is not something United fans have witnessed Casemiro do in a very, very long time.
More defensive solidity
As United fans will see during the game against Southampton on Saturday, Ugarte’s main strength is his defensive prowess and ability to cut out danger at the source in midfield.
When he was in the PSG lineup in 2023/24, Ugarte averaged a rather mind-blowing 4.11 tackles per 90 minutes, making 98 for his team in just 25 games.
No United midfielder has made that many challenges in a single season in any of the last 18 years.
That is both an indictment on United’s recent midfielders, and an indication of just how good Ugarte is at reading the game and winning the ball back for his team.
A calming midfield presence
As well as being able to win possession back for United, Ugarte will be pretty adept at keeping possession too.
The Uruguayan has a decent passing range in his locker and will be able to clip the ball long to the Red Devils’ talented wide players quickly when necessary, as well as keeping it simple and playing it to the feet of Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park too.
His 91.2% pass completion rate at PSG in 2023/24 and his 90% with Uruguay at the Copa America is nothing to be sniffed at.