Ruben Amorim names Man United star who is rapidly improving after what he saw vs Leeds United

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Ruben Amorim can take several positives from Manchester United’s performance against Leeds United.

Ahead of the trip to Elland Road, Manchester United fans were not confident of getting a result against Leeds United.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is just one of several absentees for the Red Devils, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui also still away at AFCON.

But Matheus Cunha starred against Leeds and United claimed a 1-1 draw in Yorkshire to climb up to fifth in the Premier League table.

Ruben Amorim is under pressure at United and there are whispers of a rift with the hierarchy, but he did pick out some positives from the Leeds draw.

Ruben Amorim praises improving Man United star

Despite facing pressure to change to a new system, Amorim stuck with his formation at Elland Road and put out the strongest squad he could manage.

Kobbie Mainoo is still out injured, so Amorim went with a midfield pairing of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.

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Ugarte has struggled this season and faced criticism for his performances, but Amorim singled out the Uruguayan for praise after the full-time whistle.

Talking to TNT Sports, Amorim said: “I think Ugarte is playing better. Ugarte is showing he has more to give and I’m pleased for him.”

Manuel Ugarte rose to the occasion vs Leeds United

The rivalry between United and Leeds is fierce, and the Red Devils knew the Yorkshire hosts would come flying out of the blocks.

But United managed the game brilliantly and matched Leeds’ aggression. Ugarte was key to that game plan, and he enjoyed a strong performance in midfield.

As per SofaScore, Ugarte was rated as United’s third-best player only behind Casemiro and scorer Cunha.

READ MORE: Three biggest winners and two losers as Manchester United draw 1-1 vs Leeds

Ugarte won 10 total duels against Leeds and was involved in six tackles. No player on the pitch completed more.

The 24-year-old also recovered the ball seven times for United in a strong defensive performance. In possession, he boasted an 82% passing completion rate.