Manuel Ugarte has finally contributed to a Manchester United win.
For the first time this season, Manuel Ugarte is celebrating leading Manchester United to a victory.
In all four previous games Manuel Ugarte had started, Manchester United had failed to win, losing three, and defeated in the fourth on penalties at Grimsby.
Now, Ugarte has finally redressed that unwanted record, helping the Red Devils to a deserved 1-0 victory over Newcastle.
Amid a midfield injury crisis, Ugarte was needed to step up, and he certainly did against Newcastle.
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Manuel Ugarte stars vs Newcastle
Manuel Ugarte played all 90 minutes, with midfield teammate Casemiro substituted on the hour mark. It was a surprising call, that even took the Brazilian aback.
Ruben Amorim’s faith in Ugarte paid off, with the Uruguayan producing a much improved performance compared to everything else he has served up this season.
Ugarte made 17 defensive contributions, while winning six tackles. He was integral in ensuring Newcastle did not get any space to attack through the middle.
Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez were both titans at the back, but they also benefited from Ugarte’s tireless work rate in front of them.
Ugarte contributed to the rearguard action with three clearances of his own, and while he made three fouls, he avoided a booking.
With United under pressure from Newcastle for most of the second half, Ugarte’s defensive attributes were perfectly suited to the way the match developed.
Manuel Ugarte has taken a lot of criticism lately – but he stepped up vs Newcastle!
What did you like/dislike about Ugarte's performance?
Mason Mount injury a blow
Manchester United sustained a blow at half-time when Mason Mount had to be substituted after picking up an injury.
If he is forced to miss time, this will stretch United’s midfield options even more for the coming games.
United’s next fixture is at home to Wolves on December 30, and we would expect Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro to start again in midfield.
Man Utd have beaten Newcastle 1-0 – What is your INSTANT REACTION?
What did you think of Ruben Amorim's new system?
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