Manuel Ugarte’s Man Utd career is surely winding down, but a teammate of his failing the same standard is escaping similar scrutiny.
As Michael Carrick made five changes to his Man Utd XI for the 0-0 draw against Sunderland, Manuel Ugarte must be ruing his luck.
This was a chance to impress in a rotated side and put himself in the shop window, if nothing else, but he picked up a knock.
However, those who did play didn’t cover themselves in any glory either, including one player who seems to be getting off scot-free despite failing the same standard as Ugarte.
Hooked after 65 minutes… was that the last game Joshua Zirkzee will ever start for Man Utd?
Joshua Zirkzee is following Manuel Ugarte’s trajectory
Manuel Ugarte joined Old Trafford alongside Joshua Zirkzee in 2024 when Ineos were still finding their feet at the club.
Signings made that summer haven’t been undisputed hits, and Ugarte personifies the biggest failure.
Until now, Zirkzee fell in the “maybe” bracket instead of a pure failure, but that is largely because he didn’t get as much playing time as Ugarte to confirm that he was, indeed, a failure.
Against Sunderland, Zirkzee was awarded a rare start, and by the time he came off, it was another performance added to a long list of examples to prove that he isn’t suited to English football.
Exit rumours have surrounded Zirkzee, but he has been somewhat of a fan favourite for his playing style and dressing room presence.
After the game against Sunderland, it’s time to recognise the hard fact, which is that United simply can’t rely upon Zirkzee even as a backup striker.
Just like that, he is failing the same standard as Ugarte, as Omar Berrada has already said.
Omar Berrada rule will be tested this summer at Man Utd
The upcoming window will be the first time Ineos signings will arrive at the end of their second year at Old Trafford.
Should Manchester United KEEP or SELL Joshua Zirkzee in summer 2026?
As per Omar Berrada, that is when players need to be judged on whether they can continue to stay at the club, or need to be given up on.
The logic is simple – you take one year to get to grips with the club, surroundings, and the league, and then perform in your second season.
If you can’t, then the clock runs out and ruthlessness takes over.
It’s the rule Berrada brought to Man City, and the upcoming summer will be the first time he will be tested on it at Carrington.
Ugarte’s exit is a formality, while the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Leny Yoro have shown enough to be backed for another season.
The same can’t be said for Zirkzee anymore. He’s set to become the biggest test of the Berrada rule.
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