Manuel Ugarte made 98 tackles final season, probably the most in Ligue 1; though he solely began 21 of PSG’s 34 video games, and the workforce has the ball about 66% of the time, however he does it.
These numbers underlined his distinctive ball-winning potential and have been even increased throughout his remaining season at former membership Sporting Lisbon, throughout which the Uruguay worldwide made 121 tackles in 31 video games. Damaged, is the participant with probably the most in Portugal’s La Liga.
In these two seasons, just one participant within the main European leagues has made extra tackles per 90 minutes than him, and that’s Joao Palhinha. Ugarte signed for 51 million final summer time. Sterling’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain helped Ugarte exchange Sporting Lisbon’s midfielder.
Quick ahead a yr and Ugarte is gaining recognition once more. Manchester United’s midfield was an issue space final season. Erik ten Hag’s aspect have been too simple to beat. Ugarte, 9 years youthful than the fading Casemiro at 23, may convey qualities they lack.
Solely Joao Palhinha averages extra tackles per 90 than Ugarte
Actually, his defensive work has been spectacular all through his profession.
“He had seven lungs and he would by no means cease,” stated Juan Ramon Carrasco, his former supervisor at Uruguayan Phoenix. “He has a unprecedented potential to steal the ball,” PSG coach Luis Enrique stated. “He jogs my memory of N’Golo Kante,” PSG defender Lucas Hernandez added.
For United followers, the comparisons to Kante are mouth-watering, and the truth that Hernandez considers the previous Chelsea midfielder a team-mate in France is all of the extra plausible.
Even attaining half as many leads to the Premier League can be sufficient to make Ugarte a worthwhile funding for United.
There are some similarities. Ugarte is just not solely a superb tackler, he’s additionally in a position to learn the sport keenly and anticipate hazard via well timed interceptions. Like Kanter, he has a robust engine that makes his presence felt each offensively and defensively.
Manuel Ugarte ranks extremely regardless of beginning simply 21 Ligue 1 video games
“He managed greater than half the sport,” Carrasco added. In truth, though Ugarte is a defensive midfielder, he completed second in possessions within the remaining third in Ligue 1 final season, a statistic that highlights his aggressive nature and front-foot defensive strategy.
Generally, he will get nearer to his purpose. Throughout a Europa League away match in opposition to Arsenal with Sporting CP, he was despatched off for a foul on Bukayo Saka. But it surely was considered one of solely two crimson playing cards in 4 seasons in Europe. He’s largely shrewd and in a position to keep inside sure limits.
Past that, his efficiency that night time on the Emirates Stadium stays etched within the reminiscence for different causes.
Earlier than being despatched off, Ugarte performed a key position within the remaining minutes of additional time, serving to Sporting Lisbon obtain a 1-1 draw within the penalty shootout. He works tirelessly with out the ball and has proven his potential off the ball, whether or not tackling or dribbling, to be among the many better of all gamers.
Ugarte tries to dam Granit Xhaka’s cross in opposition to Arsenal in Sporting CP
His dribbling potential is one other fascinating side of his recreation.
Ugarte has the power to get previous opponents (typically deep in his personal half) and push the ball ahead. That yr, solely two of his team-mates, wingers Potter and Marcus Edwards, made extra receptions as Sporting CP reached the Europa League quarter-finals.
In fact, United’s most urgent drawback is protection.
Ten Hag’s aspect conceded 58 targets within the Premier League final season, probably the most within the membership’s historical past. Solely Sheffield United, West Ham United and Luton City had extra photographs on purpose.
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Sky Sports activities Information’ Damish Sheth takes an inside take a look at Manchester United’s makes an attempt to signal a midfielder
Extra safety is desperately wanted within the heart of the pitch as their opponents typically discover house there, and Ugarte can present that, though not essentially as a lone defensive midfielder.
“Earlier than I got here to Sporting Lisbon, I beloved enjoying as a No. 6, however now I am used to enjoying with one other participant subsequent to me,” he stated in an interview throughout his time in Lisbon. “I am a greater participant than I used to be a yr in the past,” he added. “I’ve tailored to totally different positions.”
The 23-year-old performs primarily as a part of a double pivot in Sporting Lisbon’s midfield, primarily alongside Hidemasa Morita, an identical state of affairs at Paris Saint-Germain final season the place he primarily performed alongside Warren Zaire – Play alongside Emery or Vitinha.
Manuel Ugarte primarily performs without any consideration midfielder quite than as a single quantity six
His presence may assist Manchester United’s Kobe Minor. The teenager loved big success final season, capping off a shocking breakthrough with a efficiency and essential purpose within the FA Cup remaining victory over Manchester Metropolis.
However for each attacking possession, such because the one which noticed him obtain a cross from Bruno Fernandes at Wembley, there have been examples of Manu struggling on the different finish whereas his midfield companion Casemiro struggled to cowl Emptiness.
Ugarte will convey extra physicality, and he can deal with the ball as nicely. His passing is just not as adventurous as Casemiro’s, however his passing effectivity is actually extra environment friendly. His accuracy fee is about 91%, which is considerably increased than the Brazilian’s 83%.
There’s room for enchancment with regards to threading via the manufacturing line. His conservative passing choices are reportedly irritating PSG boss Luis Enrique.
However his potential to retain possession is undoubtedly one more reason why he’s engaging to United. In any case, a lot of their defensive points final season stemmed from a scarcity of management within the midfield. Casemiro’s bold passing turned a contributing issue because it typically resulted in turnovers.
That is one other instance of how Ugarte’s powerful tackling can assist.
