Rasmus Hojlund singles out ‘standout’ Man Utd star who is ‘performing on another level,’ he’s flown under radar

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Rasmus Hojlund has named one underrated Manchester United teammate who is now thriving under Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim arrived at the Premier League club last November after Manchester United activated his £9.25m release clause at Sporting CP.

The 40-year-old United manager replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat after his predecessor was sacked by the Red Devils last October.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was installed as Red Devils interim manager after Erik ten Hag was axed by United and the Dutchman led the club for four matches in 2024.

Amorim has enjoyed both the highs and lows during the early part of his reign at United, including steering the remainder of the Red Devils’ 2024-25 campaign.

United languish in 13th place in the Premier League table this season, with the Red Devils 14 points adrift from the top four after 24 league matches played.

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Hojlund praises Man Utd star

Despite the Red Devils’ hit-and-miss form in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim has seen a better run of results in the FA Cup and the Europa League.

Manchester United have reached both the fifth round of the FA Cup and the last 16 of the Europa League under Red Devils manager Amorim.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Rasmus Hojlund was asked to name the United player who has been underrated in the 2024-25 campaign.

The 22-year-old United and Denmark striker picked out Manuel Ugarte, who arrived at Old Trafford last summer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Manuel Ugarte initially saw his playing time limited under former United manager Erik ten Hag before the arrival of Amorim at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old Uruguayan defensive midfielder played under the United head coach at Sporting CP and has now established himself as a key player in the squad.

Ugarte has become an important pick for Amorim’s midfield options in his formational set-up and the United star has impressed with his reliable performances.

“I think you’ve seen it a little bit more now with the new manager coming in, how well he’s been doing,” Hojlund said.

“Obviously the results have not been good enough but he’s been a standout player lately.

“You see his quality, you see those workhorses in teams, they don’t get the appreciation.

“For example, Amad [Diallo] has been doing amazing recently and he’s starting to get his recognition.

“But ‘Manu’ [Manuel Ugarte] has also been very, very good. You’re starting to see now that he’s performing on another level.”

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Ugarte backs Amorim project for Man Utd

Manuel Ugarte insisted that it was “very important” for his United teammates to know what Amorim demands from them and believes they can challenge for titles.

“There’s a good feeling in the dressing room,” he said last December.

“It’s a new project with a new coach and it’s very important for us to know what he wants.

“But it’s obvious that United need to be fighting for titles and playing in the Champions League and not be where we are.

“That’s our objective but we have to get there step-by-step, little-by little, game-by-game.”