When picking Manchester United’s greatest midfielders, no conversation is complete without mention of Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick or Bryan Robson.
One of the newer additions to Erik ten Hag’s roster can only hope that – through hard work and consistent performances – he will one day be worthy of a mention within the same sentence as those aforementioned Old Trafford legends.
Owen Hargreaves, a former teammate of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick at Manchester United, certainly cannot speak highly enough of Manuel Ugarte.
A £42 million deadline day arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, glimpses of the all-action Uruguayan have been fleeting thus far.
Ugarte has only started twice. Against Barnsley in that 7-0 Carabao Cup thumping, and in Thursday’s frustrating 1-1 draw with FC Twente in the Europa League.
Ugarte criticised his own display as United suffered against Ten Hag’s old side.
The 23-year-old still made the joint-most tackles of any Red Devils player, however, showcasing the talents which saw United director Dan Ashworth label him one of the world’s premiere ball-winners at the end of August.
Manuel Ugarte tipped to follow Manchester United legends
Owen Hargreaves is confident when he says that Ugarte is what Manchester United have been crying out for in the centre of the park.
The 2008 Champions League winner believes that the fifth Uruguayan to wear that famous red shirt – Ugarte is honoured to follow Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani – will quickly become a favourite of the match-going faithful due to his blood-and-thunder style and his heart-on-the-sleeve personality.
“This kid will deliver because he is a player,” Hargreaves says, ranking Ugarte amongst the continent’s finest in his position. “He’s a one man press, tackle [machine]. He turns the ball over as good as anyone in European football.
“The fans will love him. They have seen these players over the years. The Bryan Robsons, the Paul Inces, the Paul Scholes, the Michael Carricks…”
Erik ten Hag will need Ugarte as Man United host Tottenham
Ugarte suffered the Casemiro treatment on Thursday, however, as Man United sacrificed the win thanks to a rare Christian Eriksen blunder.
He was frequently left exposed in the centre of the park. Ten Hag’s risky tactics once again making the Europa League favourites resemble a team far worse than the sum of their parts.
Hargreaves, however, is convinced that Ugarte will be a success eventually, with or without Ten Hag in the dugout.
“He gives you that balance,” adds the one-time Bayern Munich ace. “He’s not the best attacking player but, for protecting the defence and winning the ball back, he is just what they need. I love the fact they signed a kid like him because he’s got the heart of a lion.
“The fans love that type of player. He’s going to be perfect for United.”
Ugarte will hope to start a Premier League game for the first time when Man United host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
An under-fire Ten Hag may need his ability to quell fires at source. Especially against a Spurs side boasting James Maddison in top form and a host of athletic central midfielders capable of carrying the ball forward in transition.
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