Scholes admits Ugarte 'CONCERN' after €50m Man Utd move

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 2 Sept 2024 14:19 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is concerned by the summer addition of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The Uruguay international finally completed his move to Old Trafford on Transfer Deadline Day, with Man Utd paying an initial €50 million to secure his signature.

PSG were happy to offload Ugarte due to the arrival of Joao Neves from Benfica and they finally agreed a deal with Man Utd during the final week of the summer transfer window.

However, Scholes believes that Erik ten Hag will essentially rely on Ugarte to transform the Man Utd midfield - a role the Uruguayan may not be able to fulfil.

READ MORE: Casemiro's Liverpool performance proves Ugarte will be ESSENTIAL for Man Utd

What has been said?

After Liverpool’s resounding 3-0 win over Man Utd on Sunday, in which Casemiro was at fault for two goals and was hooked at half-time, Scholes admitted (as per Metro): “Ugarte is going to have to be some player.

“I think he will play the position well, he’s still 23, he’s had a few clubs which slightly concerns you.

READ MORE: Casemiro’s wife hits back after Man Utd midfielder’s Liverpool disasterclass

“But he does play the position well. I don’t think he’ll vacate that area as much as we’ve seen, a bit more discipline, he’ll plug the gaps, I hope, that’s going to be his role.

“I don’t think he’s going to be the greatest of playmakers - I don’t think you’re looking at a Toni Kroos.

“He [Ten Hag] needs discipline in there, he’s obviously seen that already. Casemiro, okay, not great legs. I don’t think Mainoo as an athlete is that great. He relies more on his manipulation of the ball and his quality on the ball.

“Ugarte has got to be everything. He’s going to have to be some player to make this team better, it’s a bit of a job on his hands and I just can’t see it.”

Ugarte was unveiled to the Old Trafford crowd ahead of Man Utd’s defeat to Liverpool and he could make his Red Devils debut against Southampton after the September international break.