Manchester United looked a little lost in the recent home game against Newcastle, relying on the starting pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Ruben Amorim was backed into making that dismal starting decision against Newcastle by a double suspension for Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
Manuel Ugarte may have been the bigger miss. The Uruguayan has become an integral part of Manchester United’s midfield since making the move to the club from PSG.
Ugarte was back in the starting line-up against Liverpool and was excellent from start to finish as the Red Devils secured a 2-2 draw at the league leaders.
Manuel Ugarte praised
Manuel Ugarte put in a committed performance to ensure Manchester United left Anfield with at least a point, and it could have been all three if Harry Maguire had scored an injury-time chance.
Ugarte is really looking like he belongs as a Manchester United player, and he was excellent for all 90 minutes away at Liverpool.
The Uruguay international was praised on MUTV, with former player Phil Bardsley picking him out for compliments.
Bardsley said: “He’s been outstanding. Since he’s walked through the door, his commitment has always been there.
“He has been getting used to the pace of the Premier League. And on today’s evidence, it looks like he is getting up to that pace. Today, absolutely outstanding performance.”
The former academy prospect admitted that Ugarte gave him confidence he was up for the game from the very first minute.
He explained: “From the Newcastle game, obviously going into today, the midfield, for me, was was a bit of an issue. But I thought from from minute one, Ugarte was all over the place.
He was pressing, he was making it difficult for them. Showing real quality when he got the ball. He’s key to this team.
“Even when we lose it in certain positions, he the first one to react try and win the ball back.”
Ugarte aggression praised
Manuel Ugarte’s performance was also praised by former United academy striker Danny Webber, who also discussed his performance on MUTV.
Webber praised Ugarte’s combination of fight and control in the midfield, making his teammates’ task a lot easier.
He commented: “Ugarte in the middle of the park epitomizes what we need to do for the full 90 minutes. He’s been solid. He’s been up for the challenge.
“Ugarte was at it, was strong, I think everything he did, he with conviction off the ball, he covered ground.
“I thought he had serious aggression when he needed to go in and win the ball. And then he’s got the composure when he was in transition to start attacks, I thought he was outstanding.”
United fans also praised Ugarte’s ‘scary’ performance, showing admiration for the summer signing’s big contribution.
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