Manchester United emerged victorious against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, in what was a valiant performance from Ruben Amorim’s side.
Despite a Diogo Dalot red card and a penalty scare, the Red Devils managed to hold the Gunners to a 1-1 draw at The Emirates, which meant the FA Cup clash went to a shootout after extra time.
Altay Bayindir, who fans have come round to, was the hero on the day. He saved Kai Havertz’s penalty, and United scored all five meaning they’d advance to round four.
Whilst Bayindir was the record-breaking hero, there was another Manchester United man who was once again superb on the day. Dare we say he’s becoming – Roy Keane-esque.
Manuel Ugarte beginning to emulate Roy Keane
Manuel Ugarte has been sensational of late for Manchester United – and is becoming one of the Red Devils’ most crucial players.
Ugarte definitely possesses Keane-like qualities. He’s a tough tackling, no-nonsense midfielder – who can’t help but go and win the ball when it’s there for him to do so.
The Uruguayan also has a bit of bite to him. His half-headbutt in the Arsenal clash is also reminiscent of Manchester United’s former captain Keane.
Not only is Ugarte’s warrior-like nature apparent in his actions – it also comes to fruition in his words. He posted this powerful message to Instagram following the victory against the Gunners.
It read: ‘When we have the ball, it’s a game and when we don’t, it’s a fight. Let’s keep it going always together.’
Ten Hag had mixed feelings on Ugarte
Ugarte is the bee’s knees, and under Amorim, he will continue thriving. This may not have been the case if Erik ten Hag remained at the helm as Manchester United’s manager.
According to the Manchester Evening News, former Red Devils boss Ten Hag had Ugarte down as his third choice for a holding midfielder in the summer.
Reportedly, the Dutchman wanted to sign Sofyan Amrabat on a permanent basis or recruit Sander Berge from Burnley.
On the contrary, Ten Hag himself said he’d been a fan of Ugarte for a while in September.
“I played him already when I was manager at Ajax and he was at Sporting Lisbon,” Ten Hag recalled. “So, quite a long time on my radar.”
“It was not only that [Sporting] match but seasons after when he played for Uruguay, for Paris,” Ten Hag adds. “I have [had] him in my mind, in my eye. The scouting department has him in their mind.
“We followed him and we judged he would be a really good fit for our team.”
Ineos were allegedly the brains behind the Ugarte transfer operation, with Dan Ashworth a big catalyst to push the Uruguayan over the line. Well, thanks Dan for the leaving gift. Ugarte is dynamite.
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