Manuel Ugarte
Man UtdCM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Apr 11, 2001 (25)
Right
6'0"
170 lb
Expected to start in midfield
Ugarte has been named in Uruguay's World Cup squad and is expected to start in midfield under coach Marcelo Bielsa, arriving at the tournament after a difficult season with Manchester United that saw him struggle for consistent playing time.
Analysis: Ugarte posted 46 tackles and 20 interceptions across 22 appearances including just eight starts this season, a frustrating campaign that limited his ability to build rhythm and confidence at club level. His defensive intensity, ability to press aggressively and win the ball in dangerous areas remain his most important attributes, and the freedom of international football alongside Federico Valverde and Rodrigo Bentancur could allow him to rediscover his best form at exactly the right time. For Uruguay, Ugarte provides the defensive foundation in midfield that allows the more creative players around him to express themselves going forward, and his physicality and relentless style of play make him a difficult player for opponents to contain.
On bench Sunday
Ugarte (back) is on the bench for Sunday's clash against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Ugarte returned to the matchday squad after training with the team Wednesday, with the club confirming his availability ahead of the two final fixtures of the campaign following a back issue. The midfielder has started eight of his 22 Premier League appearances this season and figures to continue in his familiar rotational role, providing additional midfield options for coach Michael Carrick from the bench.
Set to be available Sunday
Ugarte (back) trained with the group on Wednesday and is expected to be available for Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest, according to the club.
Analysis: Ugarte has a rotational role this season, having started eight of his 22 Premier League appearances, so his potential return is unlikely to significantly impact the starting XI, but it could provide additional midfield options for coach Michael Carrick.
Dealing with back issues
Ugarte picked up a back issue in training ahead of Saturday's trip to Sunderland and has been ruled out of the fixture, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Manu had a problem with his back in training, so that's the issues ironed out."
Analysis: Ugarte has mainly been operating as a bench option for Manchester United this season, so his absence had a limited impact on the starting lineup against the Black Cats. The club will assess his condition over the coming days before making a call on his availability for the remaining fixtures of the campaign.
Ruled out Saturday
Ugarte (undisclosed) is ruled out of Saturday's clash against Sunderland, the club posted.
Analysis: Ugarte has been ruled out for Saturday's clash against the Black Cats and no details have been provided on the nature of the issue, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Ugarte has been mainly a bench option for Manchester United's midfield this season and his absence adds to the club's injury concerns heading into the fixture against Sunderland.
Breaks-up play in win
Ugarte had six tackles (three won), three clearances and two interceptions in Friday's 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Ugarte led the Manchester United defensive effort Friday with six tackles (three won) as they earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle United. The veteran holding mindfielder also made two interceptions and three clearances across his 90-minute shift, earning a clean sheet. Friday's inclusion in the starting XI marked the first time this season Ugarte has featured in successive league fixtures.
Limited option early
Ugarte came off the bench in both of the first two Premier League matches.
Analysis: Ugarte has started the opening two matches of the season on the bench, clearly behind Casemiro in the pecking order. The midfielder seems to have moved ahead of Kobbe Mainoo in the XI, as both started during Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Grimsby Town. Ugarte will likely rotate with Casemiro as the schedule gets busier, though United don't have European competition to worry about.
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