Manuel Ugarte started for Uruguay in Uruguay’s first game at the World Cup, a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
It’s no secret that Manuel Ugarte had one eye on the World Cup even when he was at Man Utd, with the player admitting as much.
That is just as well, since Michael Carrick didn’t consider him a part of his plans, and Ugarte’s time at Old Trafford is likely to end this summer.
For that to happen, he needs to impress at the World Cup, and after their first game, a familiar point is being made.
Manuel Ugarte’s game exposed vs Saudi Arabia
Ugarte, at his best, is a tough tackler who eats up the ground and sweeps up for his more creative players to assert themselves in the game.
However, the lack of variety in his game comes to the fore when up against a defensive side who don’t go forward with abandon.
In that situation, Ugarte isn’t able to progress or carry the ball forward via passing or dribbling, giving the midfield a static look.
That is exactly what happened against Saudi Arabia, who defended in a low block and looked untroubled by Uruguay’s attacking forays.
Ugarte struggled to make an impact beyond the defensive side, and this was picked up by the Uruguayan press after the game.
Uruguayan media react to Ugarte vs Saudi Arabia
The Uruguayan press have generally been kind to Ugarte because he embodies the tough style of football Marcelo Bielsa and the fans like.
However, when the other side of his game is exposed, the pitchforks are out, which is what happened after the frustrating draw against Saudi Arabia.
El Observador rated him just 5/10, talking about his “little impact” on the midfield, calling it a “difficult” World Cup debut for him.
They wrote, “He had little involvement in the game in midfield. His World Cup debut was difficult for him in the first 45 minutes, during which he was also too isolated defensively. In the 59th minute, he took a shot from outside the box that hit the right post of the opposing goal.”
Montevideo criticised his (lack of) skill on the ball as well, writing, “He didn’t have much of an impact in the first half because the Arabs played a direct style of football. His ball control lacked clarity, which detracted from his overall performance. This changed in the second half when Valverde moved closer to the goal, allowing him to release the ball more quickly.”
La Diaria also lamented a missed opportunity for Ugarte, talking about his shot that hit the post, but generally being unimpressed with his skills on the ball.
El Pais struck the same tone, rating him for his shot that struck the post, but wanting to see more from him in possession.
Uruguay’s next game is against Cape Verde on June 21 after they drew against Spain in remarkable circumstances. Ugarte will need to be more penetrative with the ball against another low-block.
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