Manuel Ugarte debut vs Liverpool, expert tips Uruguay international for baptism of fire

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Manchester United’s fifth summer signing is imminent and his impact could be immediate.

Manuel Ugarte will be the fifth player Ineos bring to Manchester United this summer, and he could have the biggest impact.

Uruguay’s MVP during Copa America, now Ugarte is believed to have undergone his Manchester United medical already.

The move for the PSG midfielder has been lauded by Rio Ferdinand who labelled Ugarte as ‘dynamic’.

Ugarte could very well end up the most important addition of the summer considering how drastically he will be an upgrade. Ugarte vs Casemiro is not even a fair comparison with the Uruguayan No.5 being far superior.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Manuel Ugarte tipped for immediate impact by Tim Vickery

Ugarte’s arrival could not be coming at a better time for Erik ten Hag, with a massive game this Sunday against Liverpool.

Now, speaking on Sky Sports News, South American expert Tim Vickery has raved about the addition and tipped Ugarte to have a baptism of fire in the Premier League.

“It’s such a good fit because we saw through last season, and especially in that curtain raiser against Fulham that hole in the centre of the United midfield, how easy they were to play through.

He is the man I think to fill that hole and what a start he could have if United decide they can this done and decides to throw him into the deep end.

“Because there aren’t many rivalries fiercer in England than Manchester United at home to Liverpool, and with Liverpool looking so deadly on the transition, that could really be a ‘welcome to the Premier League Manuel Ugarte’.”

Ugarte in the midfield against Liverpool could be a game-changer, considering Casemiro will be run ragged if asked to play as a six against the quick and dynamic Arne Slot midfield.

It would not be ideal given he won’t have had many training sessions, but needs must and his qualities could be a deciding factor in beating Liverpool.

• READ: Who is Manuel Ugarte? Everything you need to know on Uruguay midfielder

How Manchester United’s midfield could look vs Liverpool

The midfield set-up for Manchester United is likely to be shaken up this week after the defeat to Brighton, but also after Mason Mount picked up a hamstring injury.

Without Mount, the set-up will likely change with Joshua Zirkzee starting.

This could see Bruno Fernandes in a more typical number 10 role in the team after he has been poor during the opening two Premier League games.

• READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico

Behind him, Ugarte could very well start with Casemiro being exposed against the Seagulls. That being said, it could also be that Casemiro starts purely as Ugarte has not trained enough.

Either way, we know Kobbie Mainoo will start alongside whoever is chosen. Mainoo has had an impressive three outings against Liverpool to date in his young career and will hope to continue that here.