Manchester United newcomer Manuel Ugarte has been the subject of criticism in the early part of this 2024-25 season. PSG sold Ugarte to Manchester United this past summer for a reported €50 million, with an additional €10 million in potential add-ons and a 10 percent sell-on clause.
While it’s former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag that brought the player to Old Trafford, it’s new manager Ruben Amorim that will probably get the best out of the player.
Ugarte previously excelled under Amorim at Sporting CP from 2021 to 2023. In fact, during the 2022-23 season, Ugarte ranked in the top one percent in six different metrics among midfielders across Europe.
It’s said he’ll be eager to get back on the pitch for his team and could soon reclaim his spot among Europe’s top midfielders.
Manuel Ugarte receives backing amid criticism
Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has shown support for one of Erik ten Hag’s final signings, expressing confidence in the midfielder’s potential. Van Nistelrooy emphasized the player’s quality, urging fans not to dismiss him too soon.
“You should be careful with early conclusions on Manuel Ugarte, he’s a great signing,” van Nistelrooy said (h/t TEAMTalk). “Manu is very good player. He has very specific qualities in midfield, getting in between players to recover balls to get us in attacking positions.”
