‘Months’ until Manuel Ugarte stars for Man Utd

Martin Macdonald

• 10 Sep 2024 04:19 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United should not expect Manuel Ugarte to hit the ground running immediately following his arrival from PSG.

That is according to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who believes it could take months before Ugarte hits top fitness and form.

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.

Ugarte only had a bit-part role at PSG and only just made his first appearance of the season for Uruguay during this international break.

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“Manu hasn’t played in the season so far. He needs to build his fitness… it can take weeks, maybe months”, Ten Hag said at the start of the month.

Thus, United fans should not expect Ugarte to immediately be at his best, nor is it likely he will start matches any time soon.

This will come as a disappointment as United are crying out for midfield reinforcements after a disastrous start to the season.

United have have taken just three points from their first three games, being thrashed 3-0 at home by Liverpool.

Casemiro was hauled off at half time in that match after a dreadful performance.

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Ugarte at PSG

Ugarte signed for PSG for €60 million in the summer of 2023 from Sporting Lisbon as the Ligue 1 giants executed the clause in his contract.

Big things were expected of Ugarte, who was one of the most wanted central midfielders in Europe at the time.

However, the 23-year-old struggled to live up to the hype during his only season at PSG.

Despite making 37 appearances in all competitions and winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions, Ugarte never managed to lock down a regular starting spot.

Manager Luis Enrique considered him as not a perfect fit for his style of play, leading to PSG selling him in the summer of 2024.

Ugarte has made 23 appearances for the Uruguay national team, going to the 2022 World Cup and winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Copa America and also being named in that Team of the Tournament.