How Man Utd will line up with Manuel Ugarte

Muhammad Butt

Updated: 22 Aug 2024 14:24 BST
5 min read

Manuel Ugarte is leaving Paris Saint-Germain and seems bound for Manchester United as the Red Devils finally strengthen their midfield.

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Man Utd have been after a defensive midfielder, a proper defensive midfielder, for over a decade. They thought they had their man on numerous occasions only to be let down by one thing or another.

Whether it was Owen Hargreaves' ligaments exploding, Morgan Schneiderlin not having what it takes or Casemiro ageing 10 years in one summer, something has gotten in the way.

But Manchester United fans will be hoping those days of nonsense are finally over with the arrival of Manuel Ugarte.

© IMAGO - Erik ten Hag will hope Ugarte can solve his defensive problems.

The Uruguayan is 23 years old and came to Europe in 2021 with Sporting Portugal. He then spent a season with PSG where he somehow failed to fit in despite being exactly what the Parisians needed.

That could be an ill-omen for United, but then at the same time PSG are a basketcase of a club while United are finally looking to be somewhat sensible, so Erik ten Hag will be hoping Ugarte brings stability and security to a midfield that has been as porous as paper.

How Man Utd will line up with Manuel Ugarte

Andre Onana will be in goal for Man Utd and will hope that Ugarte and the defence do a better job of protecting him than last year when he had to face a barrage of shots. A phenomenal playmaker with his feet, Onana could be a real difference-maker if United can nail their system of play.

© IMAGO - Andre Onana will want more protection, could Ugarte provide it?

At right-back new signing Noussair Mazraoui will more than likely play the majority of minutes. The Moroccan international is solid defensively and adventurous in attack.

Matthijs de Ligt has had a topsy-turvy career since leaving Ajax, playing for elite teams and winning titles in Italy and Germany, but never really looking to make good on the immense potential he showed at Ajax. He's tall, commanding and great on the ball - maybe Manchester is where De Ligt makes his mark on football history?

Next to him we'll see the angriest little Argentine Lisandro Martinez, although with his frequent habit of getting hurt you can expect to see teenage prodigy Leny Yoro a bunch (that is, once he returns from injury).

Left-back should be Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia but neither man can stay fit so Diogo Dalot will have to deputise. Just as well for him because he's not starting over Mazraoui on the right.

At the base of midfield Manuel Ugarte will assume his new throne. The Uruguyan is the kind of combative sweeper who can eat up ground that United are desperate for next to the brilliant but lightweight Kobbie Mainoo. Not having the middle of the pitch be a wide-open highway for opponents to stroll down should make a massive difference to the way Man Utd function as a team and Ugarte is key to that.

© IMAGO - Is Manuel Ugarte the man to fix Man Utd's midfield malaise?

Ahead of the double pivot is the only United player that you could call world-class. Bruno Fernandes walks into any team on the planet and for some reason has shown great loyalty to a terrible Man Utd team instead of demanding a move away. Good for him. If others get on his level United could be very scary indeed.

Right-wing should see Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo share the spot. Amad is better from the start with his intelligence, balletic dribbling and slick movement, while Garnacho is superhuman off the bench with his "I'm just gonna run at you really flipping fast then shoot as soon as I can" approach to football. Should be fun!

Marcus Rashford is Man Utd's left-winger by default. He's a superb human being but a subpar footballer at the moment. But with no challengers to his position, he's safe.

Up-front United have a variety of options. Joshua Zirkzee is likely to lead the line for now with Rasmus Hojlund out injured, but when the Dane returns he could contend to start (Zirkzee could perhaps play left-wing?) and there's also Mason Mount as a false nine to consider. Zirkzee is the man for now, though.

GK: Andre Onana

RB: Noussair Mazraoui

CB: Matthijs De Ligt

CB: Lisandro Martinez

LB: Diogo Dalot

CDM: Manuel Ugarte

CDM: Kobbie Mainoo

CAM: Bruno Fernandes

RW: Alejandro Garnacho

LW: Marcus Rashford

ST: Joshua Zirkzee