Manuel Ugarte names the three Man United players he spoke to before completing £42m move

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Manchester United will need summer signing Manuel Ugarte to settle in quickly if he is going to solve the club’s alarming midfield problems.

Thankfully, it seems Manuel Ugarte went above and beyond this summer to get in touch with his teammates before his move to Old Trafford was even complete.

Manchester United chased Ugarte as their first-choice midfield target and they finally got a £42m deal over the line on deadline day.

However, the 23-year-old Uruguay international was not registered in time to play in United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

Ugarte will, however, be available to feature in United’s clash against Southampton once the international break is over.

Manuel Ugarte spoke to three teammates before £42m move

Ugarte’s first interview as a Manchester United player has been published and the club’s latest signing opened up on conversations he held over the summer.

He revealed that he spoke to now-teammates Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez about the move, as well as Uruguay teammate Facundo Pellistri, who left United to join Panathinaikos this summer.

Speaking to the club, Ugarte said: “We all know what a massive club United is – one of the best teams in the world.

“I also spoke a lot with Facu Pellistri and he told me all about everything: the atmosphere that’s generated, the matchday atmosphere that builds up at Old Trafford is incredible.

“So yes, I’m really excited. I’d love to experience United’s legendary stadium as a player and feel the presence of the supporters.

“I’ve also spoken with one or two players – with Bruno and Licha – and I have chatted quite a lot.

“So yes, I’m really thrilled and more than anything eager and excited, while I obviously realise that it’s a great responsibility and I’m prepared for that.”

Manuel Ugarte has perfect mentality for Man United

Before he has even touched the field as a United player, it is becoming blindingly clear that Ugarte has what it takes to be a success at Old Trafford – at least from a mentality perspective.

The young midfielder was “crazy” about joining United this summer, and Ugarte proved it with his one-word response after signing.

READ MORE: Man United signing Manuel Ugarte says 15-word quote sums him up as a player

He has clearly taken steps this summer to make sure he was in the best position possible once the deal was completed, and Erik ten Hag more than anyone needs him to hit the ground running.

Ten Hag revealed that it may take “months” until Ugarte reaches full fitness, but fans should get their first glimpse at him in action against Southampton – and he has a mountainous task ahead of him to fix United’s midfield.