Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has said that Manuel Ugarte will not solve the issues that Manchester United have in midfield.
The Uruguayan moved to Old Trafford late on in the summer window for a fee of £50.5m from Paris Saint-Germain where he spent the last season after joining from Sporting CP in July 2023.
United targeted Ugarte for what seemed like all summer and eventually got their man late on, however, Petit believes that he may not be the solution in midfield.
Speaking to TopOffshoreSportsbooks.com, the Frenchman said: “I’m sorry to say this Manchester United fans, but Manuel Ugarte is not going to fix all of your midfield problems.
“I watched him at PSG. He started the season in the starting eleven at the beginning of the season, but after the club were demolished by Newcastle United in the Champions League, losing 4-1 at St. James’ Park, Ugarte wasn’t seen again! He completely disappeared from Luis Enrique’s first team.”
How did Manuel Ugarte perform at PSG?
Ugarte was only at the Parc De Princes for one season where he made a total of 37 appearances. He didn’t score a goal, but did provide three assists and helped his side to a league title, despite being more of a backup option for Luis Enrique.
It does come as a slight worry as PSG signed him for £50.5m, he spent one season with them and then they sold him for the same price, Ugarte was more surplus to requirements at the French side.
His previous clubs were Sporting CP and FC Famalicao in Portugal and CA Fenix in Uruguay. He has made over 200 career appearances scoring four goals and providing nine assists.
What can Ugarte bring to Manchester United?
Despite his poor statistical record, Ugarte has a very high work rate and will become somewhat of an engine room in United’s midfield.
Petit continued: “He will give 100% on the pitch. He will bring energy. He will bring aggression. He will bring sometimes the balance that’s needed in midfield, especially when Manchester United lose the ball.
“Ugarte won’t solve anything on his own, but he can show some fight and personality. He’s a good character and hopefully that will rub off on some of the other players.”
With poor form coming from Casemiro and United’s leaky midfield, Ugarte may help to steady the ship and give the likes of Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho more chance to attack for Erik Ten Hag’s side.
