Manuel Ugarte insists he feels fit enough to drop straight into the Manchester United team
After intense, month-long negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United managed to get a deal for Manuel Ugarte over the line on transfer deadline day.
The Uruguay international was unveiled to Old Trafford faithful ahead of the Red Devils’ gut-wrenching 3-0 loss to bitter rivals Liverpool on Sunday, receiving an applause from fans as he paraded on to the pitch. The defensive midfielder’s move to the Premier League was announced just before the summer window closed—barring him from playing against Liverpool after failing to be registered in time.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag issued a conservative approach on the 23-year-old’s fitness after the big loss to Liverpool, suggesting that the player may need much more time before he fully settles down in his new home.
However, Manuel Ugarte does not share the same opinion as his new trainer Erik ten Hag, believing he is in good shape and condition and ready to make an impact for the 20-time English champions. The ex-Parisian explained he has been keeping himself fit throughout the summer while waiting for his move to Man United to happen, which materialised on August 30.
Having teamed up with Uruguay for international duty, Ugarte spoke to national press outlet Sport 890 (h/t Directvsports):
“I’m coming to the club very hungry.”
“I feel very good, I prepared myself and I’m always ready. The project that the club has is very good.”
Man United were overrun and outsmarted in midfield by Liverpool on Sunday, with Casemiro making two glaring mistakes and subsequently being hooked at half-time. Academy graduate Toby Collyer replaced Casemiro in the middle of the park to add more energy and intensity, but things didn’t work out in the end as Arne Slot’s men enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win.
The Red Devils’ midfield lacked structure and Casemiro’s lack of mobility meant Kobbie Mainoo was left isolated far too regularly. Ten Hag’s side were crying out for an energetic and combative presence to break the Liverpool attacks, but Ugarte could only watch from the stands frustrated after his deal wasn’t registered in time for the game.
Nonetheless, Ugarte publicly claiming that he is in top condition and raring to go should be music to the ears of the fans. The Montevideo-born star, who was one of the best players at the Copa America earlier this summer, intends to make an immediate impact for his new club after the international break.
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The South American cannot fix all of Man United’s problems single-handedly that were exposed by Slot’s side, but he will bring much-needed energy, intensity and balance to our team. Our fans will hope to see Ugarte involved in some capacity or even start when we return to action against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
