Manuel Ugarte's total of 98 tackles was the highest among all players in Ligue 1 last season. And the Uruguayan midfielder did this by only starting 21/34 of PSG's matches. Furthermore, the Ligue 1 champion also had an average ball control rate of up to 66% last season.
These numbers emphasize Ugarte's incredible ability to steal the ball. In his final season at Sporting before moving to PSG, the Uruguayan player performed even better.
Ugarte has 121 tackles in 31 matches, the most of any player in the Portuguese national championship. Over the course of two seasons, only one player in Europe's major leagues has averaged more tackles per 90 minutes than Ugarte.
In the 2024 summer market, Ugarte is one of the most sought after young stars. Especially Manchester United when their midfield had many problems last season. Compared to Casemiro, Ugarte is much younger and is a worthy replacement.
Lucas Hernandez - Ugarte's teammate at PSG - compared the Uruguayan midfielder to N'Golo Kante. This comparison will obviously make Man United fans even more excited. If he maintains his current development trajectory, Ugarte will have many opportunities for advancement in the Premier League.
Ugarte read the game intelligently and made timely blocks. Like Kante, the 23-year-old always plays aggressively, appearing in both defense and attack.
Dribbling ability is also another attractive aspect of the 2001 midfielder's play. Ugarte can dribble past opponents before launching a forward pass. In the 2022-2023 season when Sporting reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League, only teammates Pote and Marcus Edwards had more dribble situations than Ugarte.
Of course, Man United's most pressing problem is defense. Coach Erik ten Hag 's side conceded 58 goals in the Premier League last season, their highest ever total. Only Sheffield United, West Ham and Luton Town have conceded more goals than the "Red Devils".
Therefore, Man United is in dire need of safety in the midfield area, where opponents often find space. And Ugarte can accommodate that, although he doesn't necessarily have to be a lone defensive midfielder.
"Before coming to Sporting, I liked to play as a number 6, but now I am used to playing with another player next to me. I am a better player than a year ago. I have adapted to many things. different positions" - Ugarte said.
Ugarte's presence could help Kobbie Mainoo at OId Trafford. Last season, Casemiro could not create a solid shield for the young British star to freely attack and create.
With Ugarte, the Uruguayan midfielder will bring better work intensity. The 23-year-old player is not as risky as Casemiro in his passes with a 91% success rate, much higher than the Brazilian international's 83%.
However, only 15% of Ugarte's passes in Ligue 1 in the 2023-2024 season are directed forward and this has disappointed coach Luis Enrique.
However, Ugarte's ability to keep the ball will be another plus. After all, Man United's defensive problems last season stemmed from a lack of control in midfield. Casemiro's ambitious passes became a contributing factor to the frequent loss of possession.
