Manchester United players have once again enjoyed a successful international break with Manuel Ugarte among the biggest winners.
For Manchester United, the international break came at an ideal time.
After the 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, Erik ten Hag will have been back to the drawing board ahead of taking on Southampton this coming Saturday.
The United manager will be encouraged by what he has seen over the past week.
Alejandro Garnacho caught the eye with his first-ever assist for Argentina. Meanwhile, for Portugal, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot combined for a goal.
Manuel Ugarte was announced as the latest Manchester United signing on deadline day, and since then he has been in action for Uruguay.
Ugarte played the entire game against Venezuela and impressed in doing so, with Marcelo Bielsa referring to Ugarte as being great.
Now after his strong outing on Tuesday night, Manchester United fans have noticed one particular thing about Ugarte.
Fans praise Manuel Ugarte
Upon Ugarte’s arrival at United, there was a false perception that he was merely a midfield destroyer and would not be capable of improving United on the ball. Ugarte made some impressive passes against Venezuela and also showcased press resistance on the edge of his box.
Now, Manchester United fans have been reacting.
One fan account on X praised Ugarte’s passing: “Just look at these two BEAUTIFUL passes from Ugarte to Pellistri. If you listen to Tacticos on this app, you’d think the only thing he’s good at is tackles. We signed a real BALLER”
One fan reacted to the highlights reel of Ugarte against Venezuela and explained: “Manuel Ugarte last night. This is why I was so obsessed with signing him all summer!”
Another fan pondered how good Kobbie Mainoo would look with a player so talented alongside him: “Will be interesting how quickly Mainoo steps his game up to the next level with Ugarte next to him.”
“This is a very tidy performance. The incisive passing is impressive too. Ugarte better come correct”, wrote a sixth fan.
This final fan made the ultimate point: “Manuel Ugarte is not just a TACKLER… He is a BALLER!”
Now the record is being set straight on Ugarte as a footballer, we can be excited to see him in action for the Red Devils.
Manchester United’s midfield could be transformed
For Manchester United, the past year has seen the midfield overexposed with much of this problem due to Casemiro’s physical decline not letting him perform the role required.
Wes Brown explained Ugarte has qualities United have not seen in two years, namely adding some proper balance into the midfield.
He will be not only the ball-winner who eats up space and should prevent the issue we saw prevalent last season, and creep up again already in 2024/25.
Ugarte is unlikely to start against Southampton, considering he played for Uruguay on Tuesday night and will likely be back at Carrington on Thursday at the earliest.
However, when he is thrown in, we expect him to have a transformative impact.
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