Gus Poyet has voiced his opinion that Manuel Ugarte would have been a more suitable signing for Chelsea than Man Utd.
The Uruguayan midfielder joined Man Utd from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024, in a deal that could reach €60m. However, Poyet believes Ugarte’s career would have been better served at Stamford Bridge.
Poyet’s Chelsea Wish
Poyet revealed his disappointment that Ugarte didn’t choose Chelsea before his move to Paris Saint-Germain. He felt Chelsea would have been the “perfect” destination for him at the time.
“Before he went to Paris Saint-Germain, I wanted him to come to Chelsea. When they started the rumours, Chelsea, big Chelsea, you know you want to come, make a decision, come to Chelsea,” Poyet said.
He added, “I was a little bit upset because I thought it was perfect at that time for Chelsea.”
Ugarte’s Struggles at Man Utd
Ugarte’s time at Man Utd has been underwhelming, with only nine starts in all competitions this season. There are suggestions he could leave Old Trafford in the summer, following Casemiro’s expected free transfer exit.
Fabrizio Romano indicated earlier this month that clubs in Italy are considering a move for Ugarte. Galatasaray were also interested in January, but a deal did not materialise.
A Critical Summer Ahead
Poyet believes Ugarte is a “top player” who can “cover the pitch well” and “defend well”. However, he needs to find the right club where he can play regularly.
“He needs to find the right club,” Poyet stated. “He needs to find, I would say, the identity of a club to be able to play every week because he even lost his main position at the national team.”
Poyet highlighted the competition Ugarte faces in the national team, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Fede Valverde also vying for midfield spots. This has led to Ugarte losing his place in the starting eleven.
“In the national team, everybody was playing and was thinking Ugarte, [Rodrigo] Bentancur, [Fede] Valverde. And then the national team is playing with two and a number 10 off the front. And that’s why he’s not playing.”
Poyet concluded that this summer is a “big summer” for Ugarte, as he looks to find a club where he can regain his form and secure regular playing time.