Manchester United fans have been keeping a close eye on Manuel Ugarte during this summer’s transfer window. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has been on the club’s radar for several weeks, and it looks like the deal is finally going to be confirmed. In this article, INMR will analyse if Ugarte suits United’s style of play.

What Makes Ugarte So Highly Sought After:

Ugarte was signed by Sporting Lisbon in 2021 as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, who moved to Fulham. He quickly established himself as a strong ball-winner in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, catching the eye of both PSG and Chelsea. PSG ultimately won the bidding war in the summer of 2023, and Ugarte made an instant impact in Ligue 1.

Ugarte is a defensive midfielder known for his high athleticism and defensive intensity, he is pacey and is relentless when out of possession. He hunts opponents down and is always taking advantage of those who don’t check their shoulders.

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Ugarte’s Areas of Development:

Despite his defensive abilities, Ugarte has not been a consistent goal threat, with just four goals in 200 senior club matches. He also has a conservative passing style which doesn’t suit sides who prefer a possession-based style of football.

Ugarte averaged just 4.1 progressive passes and 0.7 key passes per 90 minutes in Ligue 1, both below the league average for midfielders (5.4 and 1.2, respectively). Additionally, Ugarte’s full-throttle approach to defending often left him out of position, creating challenges for teammates who were left exposed in dangerous areas.

For example, PSG’s 2-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League exposed the downside to Ugarte’s lack of positional discipline and ball progression abilities. Ugarte struggled against Milan’s clever passing, winning only three out of 15 duels and earning a booking.

There is also the question of whether Ugarte has struggled to adapt to the intensity of a top-five league. His defensive numbers, such as tackling dribblers, interceptions, and aerial duel success, have all declined compared to his final season at Sporting.

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What Ugarte Could Bring to United:

If Ugarte were to join Manchester United, his ball-winning style could see Ten Hag revert to a strategy used during parts of the 2022-23 season, emphasising defensive solidity. His presence would add pressing and counter-pressing strength in central midfield, supporting United’s defensive structure.

Ugarte is a proven ball-winner who could provide the defensive security that Casemiro offers, although with less aerial dominance and technical ability. Ugarte’s defensive tenacity and athleticism could strengthen a United side that has struggled with defensive vulnerabilities in recent years.

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Concerns for United Fans:

While Ugarte’s aggressive, ball-winning style could fill a critical gap in United’s midfield, there are concerns about whether he is better suited for a lower-possession system rather than one that emphasises control. Earlier this year, Ugarte discussed the differences in pace of play under Luis Enrique at PSG and Marcelo Bielsa with the Uruguayan national team. Bielsa’s system, much like the one he implemented at Leeds United, focuses on quick ball movement and high tempo.

Uruguay, who averaged just 53% possession at this year’s Copa America, made 21% of their passes forward, a large contrast to PSG’s 63% possession and only 14% of passes going forward in the Champions League last season. United’s poor 2023-24 league campaign saw them average 50% possession with 33% of passes going forward.

Ugarte’s final season at Sporting also suggested that he thrives in a system that prioritizes quick ball progression rather than intricate build-up play. His previous teams—had different approaches to possession, with Sporting and Uruguay leaning more towards quick transitions, which suited Ugarte’s style of play better.

While it’s too early to determine what United’s tactical approach is this season, their recent match against Fulham showed promising signs. United had 56% possession, with 31% of passes going forward. They pressed high up the pitch, averaging 4.8 passes per possession, and focused their attacks on the wings, which could make Ugarte’s conservative passing an asset in build-up play.

However, if United shift to a system that relies heavily on patient, possession-based football, Ugarte could struggle. United fans may be concerned that if Ugarte continues his habit of ball-hunting high up the pitch, it could leave the team vulnerable in midfield, similar to last season.