‘He’s dynamic’… Rio Ferdinand excited for ‘really, really good’ Man Utd signing to seal deal

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Rio Ferdinand has told Manchester United fans exactly what they can expect from new £50million signing Manuel Ugarte.

The Red Devils have finally got their man. Manuel Ugarte is currently undergoing a medical before completing his move to Old Trafford.

United are set to pay £50million for Ugarte, broken down into a package of £42m up front and a further £8m in add-ons.

The 23-year-old Uruguay international was United’s first-choice midfield target this summer and he is now set to become the club’s fifth signing of the window.

Provided that the deal is completed without any issues, Manuel Ugarte should be registered in time for United’s blockbuster clash against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

READ MORE: What Man Utd think of Manuel Ugarte proves £42.2m deal is an absolute bargain

Manuel Ugarte compared to N’Golo Kante and Rodri

Ugarte was signed as the long-term replacement for Casemiro with United eager to sign a defensive-minded midfielder to partner Kobbie Mainoo for years to come.

There are multiple ways that Ugarte could be deployed by Erik ten Hag, and comparisons to N’Golo Kante have already been drawn.

But United legend Rio Ferdinand insists Ugarte should not be compared to Kante – or Rodri – ahead of his move.

“I’ve looked at a few of his stats, high-volume stats by the way on tackles and interceptions and duels,” Ferdinand said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents channel.

“And he’s Uruguayan, they’ve got that tough, solid, rugged mentality. That little bit of edge he brings to the team I think will be really, really good.

“He’s not a Kante-type quick, but he’s dynamic when pressing the ball in different areas of the pitch.

“He’s not somebody who is going to be getting the ball like a Busquets or a Rodri and dictating the play with intricate passes and passing through the lines.

“I think he’s a simple passer of both feet, keeps it simple. Keeps it ticking. Always available, always showing.

“But don’t expect him to be hitting 30, 40-yard passes. I think he’s an economical footballer.”

Mentality, passing and pressing

Ferdinand quickly swatted away any comparisons to Kante and Rodri, but he pointed out three key qualities that Ugarte can bring to United.

READ MORE: PSG have backed Manuel Ugarte to succeed at Man United with clause added to £50m deal

“Rugged” mentality, “dynamic” pressing, and “simple” yet efficient passing – this will be music to the ears of United fans.

Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes have enough talent to unlock a defence, all Ugarte needs to do is be the midfield work-horse who can protect the back four.