Manchester United target Manuel Ugarte was in action for Uruguay on Wednesday night as they failed to reach the final of Copa America.
On Wednesday night, three of Manchester United’s main transfer targets for this summer got knocked out of their respective international tournaments, much to the delight of Dan Ashworth.
England and Kobbie Mainoo beat both Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, while Manuel Ugarte and Uruguay also crashed out of Copa America at the hands of Colombia.
In a 1-0 defeat, Ugarte played the entire game and was among his side’s best players in defeat, all while playing in a brand new position.
Here is how he fared and how the Uruguayan media have responded to his display.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
How the Uruguayan media reacted to Ugarte v Colombia
Against Colombia in the semi-final of the Copa America, Ugarte actually started as a central defender, as opposed to his usual midfield role, and while he did well, his absence in midfield was obviously a weak point.
The Uruguayan press has now been reacting to his performance.
Uruguayan outlet El Pais wrote: “At the start of the game, he was seen overturned in the defensive zone, almost like a defender. Mark and play well with the ball, even sending long balls. In the complement, he went on to play as a defender and a lot of heart.”
El Observador then scored Ugarte a 5/10 in the defeat, claiming his absence in midfield was felt: “At the beginning he started playing almost like one more defender when it comes to defending, much more delayed than in previous matches. At times, Uruguay defended with a line of four, with him as a central and Mathías Olivera as a side. With that change, Uruguay lost its mark in the midfield. When Bentancur was injured after 34 minutes, he moved to his usual position in the middle, and began to follow James Rodríguez, as his partner had been doing.”
Finally, La Diaria added that Ugarte in defence wasn’t a good thing: “He started as a defender and it cost him; he passed in the middle of the court when Bentancur came out.”
Uruguay’s exit is disappointing as we’d have loved to see Facundo Pellistri get to play in a final, and for Ugarte to arrive at the club – assuming the deal gets done – with a gold medal.
However, this will allow United to hopefully finalise a deal to sign Ugarte sooner now he is out of the Copa America. While Pellistri can now decide on his future amid interest.
Ugarte did better than the media are giving him credit for
While Uruguayan media weren’t blown away by Ugarte, he was much better than he’s getting credit for and actually still had a pretty dominant display, as FotMob shows.
- 53/59 passes completed (90%)
- 1 shot blocked
- 7/10 accurate long balls (70%)
- 2/3 tackles won (67%)
- 1 clearance
- 6 defensive actions
- 8 recoveries
- 7/11 duels won (64%)
The fact the media haven’t been impressed actually says more about the levels Ugarte has set throughout the tournament, rather than his one-off display here.
Playing in central defence shows a previously untested versatility for Ugarte and while United won’t want to play him there, it’s nice to know we have the option considering the injury issues seen in the position last season.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
