The deal that has been in the pipeline for nearly the whole of the transfer window looks set to be closed now with Manuel Ugarte’s move to Manchester United.
The Uruguayan has been the absolute priority target for Manchester United and despite some twists and turns, the move is set to go through.
Ugarte is getting ready for a medical at Old Trafford and it is likely that he plays at least some part vs Liverpool on Saturday 1.
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Quite a game for the player to debut in but he will take solace from the fact that he joins a select list of players when he signs for United, alongside a cult hero who made his name vs Liverpool.
Uruguay-Manchester United connection
Unlike many other countries, Manchester United don’t have a long and storied history with signing players from the South American nation.
When Manuel Ugarte‘s move becomes official and he takes to the field vs Liverpool, he will become only the fifth player in Manchester United history to be from Uruguay.
United have just sold a Uruguayan, with Facundo Pellistri’s transfer to Panathinaikos, while the other three before Ugarte are Edinson Cavani, Guillermo Varela, and Diego Forlan.
- Diego Forlan: 98 appearances
- Edinson Cavani: 59 appearances
- Facundo Pellistri: 25 appearances
- Guillermo Varela: 11 appearances
Of course, if Ugarte needs any motivation to make a mark in a game vs Liverpool, he need only look at his compatriot Forlan.
Forlan’s overall spell at United might have been a story of unfulfilled potential but he holds a cult-figure status among the fans for his memorable brace at Anfield which downed Liverpool 2-1.
United might be a club that demands perfection from its players, but sometimes, just turning up against Liverpool will do!
Stars have aligned for Ugarte to do exactly that in his potentially very first game in a United jersey.
What to expect from Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte’s transfer fee is undoubtedly a bit steep, but United clearly believe he fixes the biggest pain point of their team- defensive midfield.
That area was a leaking haven all of last season and even this year, with an improved system, the side doesn’t look as secure.
Manuel Ugarte’s style of play is such that he relishes defending and winning the ball back. Erik ten Hag has clearly committed to a style where winning the ball back high and early is the top priority.
Mason Mount’s injury put a spanner into those works vs Brighton but now, in Ugarte, they have a ball-winning maniac who will free up the rest of the team to threaten in attack.
Most importantly, it will allow Bruno Fernandes to remain further forward instead of being an all-in-one player who is simultaneously a defender in buildup, a midfielder in ball progression, and an attacker while finishing the move.
The legacy of Uruguayan’s at Old Trafford is not as heavy to live up to as, say, a country like Portugal, but the numerous memorable moments that they gave, particularly Forlan and Cavani, is pretty good inspiration for Ugarte.
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