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Manuel Ugarte names the ‘most complete player in the world’

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Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte claims he is playing alongside the world’s most complete footballer, at international level.

Manuel Ugarte is currently with the Uruguay squad preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ugarte claims there is no player in the world quite like Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.

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Photo by DANTE FERNANDEZ / AFP via Getty Images

We have picked our ULTIMATE MAN UTD WORLD CUP XI – Tell us what you would change?

Criteria: They don't need to have been playing for Man Utd at the time of their World Cup heroics

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Manuel Ugarte on Federico Valverde

Speaking to United club media, Manuel Ugarte spoke about his full admiration for Federico Valverde.

“He’s amazing. He’s an amazing guy. He has everything, that’s my opinion.

“For me, he’s the most complete player in the world. He can do everything and he does everything well.

“I grew up watching him in the Under-20s so, for me, it’s a big experience playing with him. And also, we have a really good relationship, he’s like my friend, so I’m so happy that he’s with Uruguay.”

Federico Valverde, 27, has 73 caps for Uruguay, and he has played 372 club games for Real Madrid.

He is expected to be a key part of Uruguay’s World Cup campaign, which kicks off on Monday June 15 against Saudi Arabia.

Which Manchester United player will have the most successful World Cup 2026?

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Federico Valverde was linked to Man Utd

Federico Valverde was linked with a move to Manchester United last month, following the player’s row with Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Star reported United were ‘weighing up’ a move for Federico Valverde. It sounded too good to be true at the time, and it likely still is.

Valverde is preparing for Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid. While Mourinho is not afraid to make bold moves and jettison star players, it really would be a surprise if he did not want Valverde around.