Every player in Manchester United’s current squad is under intense scrutiny from fans and pundits, as the club endures a difficult phase. Their most recent defeat, a crushing 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, has only deepened the crisis.
Despite being the second-highest spenders in this summer’s transfer window—pouring a staggering £205.9 million into acquiring top talent from around the world—United’s struggles persist. They currently sit in a disappointing 13th place in the Premier League standings, far below expectations.
Amid the widespread analysis of the club’s plight, a well-known former footballer has publicly criticized one of United’s high-profile summer signings, raising questions about the effectiveness of their recent recruitment strategy.
Marco van Basten takes on Manuel Ugarte
Former Netherlands international Marco van Basten has delivered a scathing critique of Manchester United’s defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte following his poor performance in the 3-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Van Basten didn’t hold back, calling Erik Ten Hag’s decision to sign the Uruguayan for £42 million “idiotic.” According to Ziggo Sport (h/t Mirror), the former Ajax star questioned the logic behind spending such a hefty sum on a player who has struggled to make an impact.
“I saw a new player walking around at Manchester United, (Manuel) Ugarte, for €50million (£42.3m). How is this guy walking around there? It’s idiotic how much (Ten Hag) has decided to invest in players who are not even good.”
Ugarte joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024, with Erik Ten Hag hoping to bolster the team’s defensive midfield capabilities. However, the 23-year-old has yet to make a significant impact on the pitch, falling short of expectations. Despite his high-profile transfer, Ugarte has struggled to adapt, and his performances have drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Currently earning around £120,000 per week, the Uruguayan’s lack of form has only intensified the scrutiny on Ten Hag’s decision to bring him to Old Trafford, with many questioning whether the investment was worth it.
It’s clear that Ugarte may need more time to settle into his new surroundings, having made only five appearances for Manchester United across all competitions so far. However, the pressing question remains: if not now, then when? With the team’s struggles growing more critical by the day, Erik Ten Hag and his squad are running out of time to turn things around.
The pressure is mounting, and the need to deliver has never been more urgent. Their next challenge comes in the form of Porto, who they will face in their upcoming Europa League fixture on October 4. This match will be a crucial test, not just for Ugarte, but for the entire squad as they seek to regain form and confidence.
