Manchester United's recruitment team is constantly put on blast for poor judgment of players. That's been the case throughout the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Rival fans take aim at Red Devils supporters because of the amount of money spent.
However, when that money is going on the wrong profile of player or a 'commercial buy' then why wouldn't we be bemused by such bussiness? This past summer was the first transfer window overseen by INEOS and its fair to say it's had its positives and negatives.
One player who was immediately under scrutiny even before kicking a football was Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan arrived at United from Paris Saint-Germain for a purpoted fee of £50.5 million including add-ons. For some reason the defensive midfielder was wrote off from the off as a flop.
Manuel Ugarte's sensational displays have silenced the haters
Ugarte, 23, was the last piece of transfer business the club conducted in the summer. His arrival was questioned by fans and the media, even those supporting United had argued he was a poor acquistion. It was a strange development over a player who statistically was one of Europe's best tacklers.
The warrior-esque midfield brute finished with the most tackles in the 2022/23 Primera Liga (98) and 23-24 Ligue 1 (121). This put him at the top of the crop across European football and yet many were outright calling his transfer a failure.
However, Ugarte has consistently been one of the standout performers with a hunger and desire in his game that many of his teammates lack. He was everywhere at Anfield in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool, putting out fires and driving the team forward. This was just one of many outings that need more recognition after such an unjustifiable response to his signing.
Manuel Ugarte’s combined stats from Liverpool (A) & Man City (A):
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 6, 2025
100% aerial duels won
100% success take-ons
91% pass accuracy
10 tackles + interceptions
8 blocks
6 progressive passes
5 ball recoveries
4 fouls won
2 shot-creating actions
0 x dispossessed
Big game… pic.twitter.com/Vk5A7AmOcS
Did INEOS Have Ruben Amorim In Mind When Signing Ugarte?
Ugarte joined United while Erik ten Hag was still in charge and the Dutch coach rarely showed his faith in the former Sporting CP man. Ten Hag claimed he needed time adapting to the team's brand of football (whetever that was).
However, Ten Hag was sacked in November and replaced by Ruben Amorim, who Ugarte knew well. The Uruguay international starred under the Portuguese tactician at Sporting in Liga Portugal before
leaving for PSG in July 2023.
Ugarte's development came under Amorim and it made all the more sense that the 39-year-old was already in INEOS' minds when signing his former midfielder. Their reunion has been vital for both the player and the new head coach as he understands what Amorim desires from his team.