Since joining Manchester United, things have not been going to plan for Manuel Ugarte.
When PSG sold Manchester United their star midfielder for just £42m eyebrows were raised. PSG replaced Ugarte with Joao Neves and absolutely got the better end of the deal.
That being said, Ugarte has joined a club in transition and still has plenty to offer United as he has shown in glimpses this season despite United’s struggles having the club 15th in the league.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  EvertonEverton | 25 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 27 | 31 | -4 | 30 |
| 15 |  Man UtdManchester United | 25 | 8 | 5 | 12 | 28 | 35 | -7 | 29 |
| 16 |  West HamWest Ham | 25 | 7 | 6 | 12 | 29 | 47 | -18 | 27 |
Things will get better, with Amorim’s start at Sporting similarly tough to at United, and when the team as a whole improves then we can judge players like Ugarte.
The Uruguayan possesses the fire and personality to become a fan favourite, and now he has been talking up one United legend.
Manuel Ugarte is a big fan of Eric Cantona
Throughout the history of Manchester United, club favourites have been born in controversial figures who had a passion for the badge.
Ugarte ticks this box, and now the 23-year-old has been speaking with Sky Sports for an episode of The Big Interview, in which he discussed United kits – with one shirt to be discussed was from 1997 and had the famous number seven of Eric Cantona.
“I like him [Cantona], an excellent player and a great personality, right? Another wonderful player who wore the number seven.
“That’s why the number seven is so important to the club. He’s not from my time because I’m young but still we all know who Cantona was and how he played and also what I was saying his personality and mentality.”
The number seven shirt at United is iconic and has been donned by some of the very best to ever wear the shirt.
Cantona is one of the most popular figures in the club’s history and to hear how highly Ugarte speaks of him is interesting considering he likely never got to watch him play.
READ MORE: Who is Eric Cantona? Age, Height, Acting, Singing, Family
Manuel Ugarte counts himself lucky to play with Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United
Ugarte was not only discussing Cantona, as he then chose to discuss the 2020/21 third kit which had Bruno Fernandes printed on the back with his number 18.
“Brunito with the number 18″, Ugarte said. “He’s an excellent player and I can confirm that now as his teammate. As a person, the talent he has… it was a great surprise when I first met him and to share each day with him.”
Bruno Fernandes stats for Manchester United
| Player | Games | Trophies | Goals | Assists |
| Bruno Fernandes | 270 | 2 | 88 | 78 |
Bruno shares a lot of similarities with Cantona, in that both played in a team which was yet to reach its peak, although Bruno’s having a much tougher time.
Ugarte’s clear respect for the United captain is admirable and should explain why the Portugal international has the armband.
In any other era over the past 30 years at United, Bruno would be a legend and history will remember him very well.
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