Manchester United made a significant move on transfer deadline day by signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, hoping the Uruguayan midfielder would provide immediate reinforcement to their struggling midfield. United patiently negotiated a €50 million (£42.3 million) deal, with an additional €10 million (£8.5 million) in add-ons, and completed the signing just before the window closed. Ugarte, 23, was seen as the long-term successor to Casemiro in the defensive midfield role, expected to intercept passes and break up opposition attacks.
Despite high hopes, Ugarte has struggled to hit the ground running. After over a month in Manchester, he has made just one Premier League start, and that performance left much to be desired. In a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Ugarte appeared overwhelmed by the pace and intensity of the game, leading to him being substituted at halftime. Since then, he has largely been left on the bench, with Casemiro, despite his own recent struggles, being favored in key matches.
Ugarte’s lack of involvement was also evident in Manchester United’s Europa League clash against FC Porto, where Casemiro was again chosen over the Uruguayan. This exclusion followed his absence from the starting lineup in United’s Premier League draw with Aston Villa before the international break. United fans, who had high hopes for Ugarte, have yet to see the dynamic, mobile No.6 that was promised.
The issue is further compounded by United’s current midfield woes. With Casemiro’s form declining and the overall structure of the midfield disjointed, Ugarte was expected to help stabilize the team. His failure to do so has left manager Erik ten Hag searching for solutions, as the team continues to struggle in domestic and European competitions.
Part of Ugarte’s challenges can be attributed to a delayed integration into the squad. He was not registered in time for United’s early-season fixtures, including the high-profile clash with Liverpool, which further slowed his adaptation to English football. Since then, it has been an uphill battle for the 23-year-old to find his rhythm in a new league.
Now, with a tough Premier League fixture against Brentford on the horizon, Ugarte will be aiming to prove himself. However, he is unlikely to start, with Ten Hag preferring the experience of Casemiro. To reclaim a spot in the starting lineup, Ugarte will need to excel in training and show why United were so patient in securing his signature from PSG.
Manchester United’s midfield remains a critical area of concern, and Ugarte’s development will be key to the team’s overall improvement. With high expectations surrounding his arrival, the Uruguayan international has a point to prove as he returns from the international break and looks to make an impact in the Premier League.
United can no longer afford to wait for Ugarte to deliver; the time for him to step up is now.
