After watching Liverpool run rings around Casemiro in midfield before the international break, Manchester United fans are praying that Manuel Ugarte will be available for selection for the upcoming trip to St. Mary’s – and their prayers were answered.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that the new player will play against Southampton this weekend.
So, what can United fans expect from the midfielder?
We’re glad you asked.
Here’s everything you need to know.
It’s one thing United fans have been crying out for in midfield, and it’s something current starter Casemiro no longer has the legs to supply.
Ugarte has the youthful legs and lung power needed to be the engine room in the Red Devils midfield. If you’ve seen him play for Uruguay, Sporting CP or Paris Saint-Germain in recent years, you may have seen Ugarte drop back to make a challenge, then burst into third place with the ball at his feet, dragging his hand. the team is looking up at the process.
That’s not something United fans have seen Casemiro do in a very long time.
As United fans will see during the game against Southampton on Saturday, Ugarte’s greatest strength is his defensive strength and ability to cut out danger in midfield.
During his time with PSG in 2023/24, Ugarte averaged 4.11 shots per 90 minutes, making his team 98 in just 25 games.
No United midfielder has faced so many challenges in one season in the last 18 years.
That is a testament to United’s recent midfielders, and a testament to how good Ugarte is at reading the game and winning the ball for his team.
As well as being able to bring United back, Ugarte will have good management skills.
The Uruguayan has good passing distance in his locker and will be able to cut the ball long to the Red Devils’ talented wide players quickly if necessary, as well as keep it simple and play it to the feet of Bruno Fernandes in the middle. park again.
His pass rate of 91.2% for PSG in 2023/24 and his 90% with Uruguay in the Copa America is nothing to be sniffed at.
READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, FOLLOW THE MASSES AND GOSSIP
Source link
