Manuel Ugarte’s time at Manchester United has taken a turn, a stark contrast from the optimism surrounding his arrival. His current situation was reflected in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, where he walked silently among the fans.
From Promising Start to Limited Opportunities
Ugarte’s debut at Old Trafford in September 2024 was met with a standing ovation, with expectations that he would be the missing piece in the midfield. Arriving from PSG for over £50 million, he was seen as the successor to Casemiro, who was showing signs of decline.
However, after just over a season, the situation has changed. A key factor has been the resurgence of Casemiro, who regained his form and a regular place in the starting eleven.
Ugarte, meanwhile, has struggled to capitalise on his opportunities. This season, he has started only 9 matches, with Manchester United winning just one of those. The team has conceded 24 goals when he has been on the pitch, and another 9 after he came on as a substitute.
- Only 9 starts this season
- One win in those 9 starts
- Conceded 24 goals with Ugarte on the pitch
These statistics reflect the inconsistency of the 24-year-old midfielder. For some fans, Ugarte’s name now brings concern when he enters the pitch.
Competition and Conduct
Ugarte acknowledged the lack of regular playing time before joining the Uruguay national team, stating it was something he had to accept in his career. He claimed to have learned a lot and expressed confidence that opportunities would arise.
Despite Ugarte’s intentions to emulate Casemiro, it was his older teammate who solidified his position, further pushing Ugarte away from the starting line-up.
Beyond his position in the team, Ugarte’s behaviour off the pitch has also attracted attention. At Carrington, he was often among the first to leave the training centre, while other players stayed longer.
Injury and Return of Casemiro
A minor injury over a year ago saw Ugarte miss the match against Tottenham, which allowed for Casemiro’s return. Since then, the Brazilian midfielder has started in 43 of Manchester United’s 55 matches, while Ugarte has only played 23 times.
During pre-season, coach Ruben Amorim experimented with rotating the midfield. However, Ugarte’s poor performance cost him the chance to secure a place in the team. He started in the first match of the team.