Manuel Ugarte has given Manchester United a clear transfer mission, it will double down on £42m investment

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Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is proving his worth, and the club need to double down on his success.

When Manchester United hired Ruben Amorim, it was clear one of the winners would be midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Manuel Ugarte played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, and the head coach knows exactly how to get the best out of him.

Ugarte was one of United’s best players in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool, delivering a complete performance that left fans impressed.

Manuel Ugarte importance clear

Manchester United badly missed Manuel Ugarte against Newcastle, with the Uruguayan suspended for the game along with Bruno Fernandes.

Ugarte adds a much-needed bite to Manchester United’s midfield. Nobody gets an easy game up against him.

Ugarte is now settled in the Premier League, now at full fitness, and full of confidence. He is averaging 2.8 tackles per game in the league, from 14 matches, of which only nine have been starts.

What United need to do is to find a solid back-up for Ugarte, one who Ruben Amorim trusts and depends on.

We saw against Newcastle what happens when Ugarte is unavailable, and it was not pretty. He proved the very clear difference against Liverpool.

But this is not wholly sustainable, because Ugarte’s role is a physically demanding one, arguably the most intense in the entire team.

He is expected to be the first to every ball in midfield, and to win every tackle. And if he is a moment short, it will be scrutinised and picked apart. United need him fresh, and can’t be depending on him to play every single minute.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Manchester United need Ugarte alternative

Manchester United need to take the pressure off Manuel Ugarte, and ensure he is not run into the ground.

This is a role Casemiro might be able to play in the short-term, but he is also a player Manchester United will cash in on if they can. He’s not a long-term solution.

Long-term, United hope Sekou Kone might be able to step up and play the role. Dan Gore and Toby Collyer are two players who might have a chance. Finley McAllister is an – but currently are yet to win the favour of Ruben Amorim.

So it might be the case that United need to delve into the transfer market – even though other positions are priorities right now, this is also a need.

And if Manchester United are prepared to invest, it will protect the £42 million the club spent on Manuel Ugarte, by making him a stronger player long-term.