Manchester United are expected to announce the arrival of Manuel Ugarte imminently.
The Red Devils struck a £42million agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte this week with the Uruguayan midfielder set to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer.
Ugarte carried out his medical on Wednesday and is set to be announced by the club imminently.
The 23-year-old is set to bolster Erik ten Hag’s midfield department with Scott McTominay leaving to join Napoli in a £25million deal.
Rio Ferdinand has told United fans what to expect from Ugarte as he completes his move, with comparisons already drawn to players like N’Golo Kante.
South American football expert Tim Vickery has now compared Manuel Ugarte to a former Liverpool player ahead of this Sunday’s clash against the Merseyside club.
Manuel Ugarte compared to former Liverpool man
United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as Erik ten Hag looks to get one over his fellow Dutchman Arne Slot.
Provided that Ugarte’s signing goes smoothly, he should be registered and available for the clash, although it is unlikely he’ll be thrown straight into the starting lineup having barely trained with the squad.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Vickery drew comparisons between Ugarte and former Liverpool and Barcelona man Javier Mascherano.
When asked if Ugarte could be compared to Roy Keane, Vickery said “My comparison is more with Javier Mascherano. When Keane first came through from Forest he was more box-to-box.
“Ugarte is more of a holding midfielder who can press high and can be involved in the attacking phase, but it’s not really his thing.
“So my comparison is with a young Javier Mascherano, someone who is going to fill that hole there in front of the back four at United.
“He’s not a wizard with the ball at his feet, but his passing is quick and it’s crisp, just to set moves in motion.”
Manuel Ugarte at Man United this season
In terms of playing style, Ugarte is exactly what is needed at United. A destroyer of a midfielder who is willing to cover the ground to free up the likes of Bruno Fernandes.
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At 23, he still has plenty of time to develop and he can be the heir to Casemiro and a new long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo.
Even if the comparisons to Mascherano are accurate – hopefully Ugarte wins far more trophies at Old Trafford than he did at Anfield.
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