Manchester United’s transfer saga over signing a defensive midfielder is inching closer to a conclusion with the anticipated arrival of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. The Uruguayan midfielder’s potential move to Old Trafford, facilitated by the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli, could be a pivotal moment in Erik ten Hag’s tenure as he looks to solidify United’s midfield which was a major issue last seaso. With Ugarte’s signing, Ten Hag may opt to revert to a more traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup that could bring balance to a team that has struggled to attack cohesively in the two games so far this season with the 4-2-4 formation.

The Tactical Need for Ugarte

Manchester United’s midfield has been a point of concern, in the previous season, where the team was often exposed in transitions.  Casemiro’s stunning decline in form coupled with Ten Hag’s strange tactical midfield structure often left the Brazilian isolated, forcing him to cover too much ground and leaving gaps for opponents to exploit. The result was a midfield that was too easy to bypass, contributing to United’s poor defensive record.

Manuel Ugarte’s profile fits the bill perfectly for what Ten Hag needs. A tough-tackling, combative midfielder, Ugarte brings the kind of aggression and ball-winning ability that will solidify the midfield defensively. His arrival would allow United to field a double pivot that is more defensively solid, giving the backline better protection and freeing up other players to focus on their attacking responsibilities.

Read:Manchester United’s Tactical Struggles: Ten Hag’s Experiment Is Backfiring

Ugarte’s Style of Play

Manuel Ugarte is known for his tenacity and defensive prowess, making him a perfect fit for a midfield role that demands both discipline and aggression. His style of play is characterized by relentless pressing, sharp tackling, and an innate ability to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. Ugarte excels in one-on-one duels, often outmuscling his opponents to regain possession.

Despite his defensive focus, Ugarte is also comfortable on the ball. He boasts a high pass completion rate, typically keeping his distribution simple to maintain possession. While not a progressive passer by nature, he ensures that the team retains control in midfield, providing a stable platform for more creative players to operate. His ability to win back the ball and quickly transition from defense to attack makes him a valuable asset in a team that relies on swift counter-attacks. Partnering him with Kobbie Mainoo will allow Ugarte to rely on the young star for ball progression which is something the PSG man doesn’t excel at.

The 4-2-3-1 Formation

Ten Hag’s experiment with the 4-2-4 formation seems to be a short one after the Brighton defeat. The 4-2-3-1 formation, offers a more balanced approach, providing a solid defensive base while still allowing for creativity and fluidity in attack.

In this setup, Ugarte and Mainoo would form a formidable double pivot. Ugarte’s defensive discipline and ability to break up play would allow Mainoo to play a slightly more advanced role, utilizing his passing range to initiate attacks. This would also relieve pressure on the backline, which has been prone to errors when left exposed.

Impact on the Attack

The 4-2-3-1 formation could also solve some of the issues United has faced in attack. The presence of a more solid midfield would enable Bruno Fernandes to be involved more in the build up play while relying on a traditional striker to stretch the game.

The absence of a focal point in attack has often left United’s forward line looking disjointed. Whether it’s Rasmus Højlund or another option, the inclusion of a recognized striker would provide the team with a much-needed cutting edge, allowing them to stretch defenses and create more scoring opportunities.

Defensive Solidity and Transitions

One of the critical aspects of the 4-2-3-1 formation is its ability to offer better defensive solidity. With Ugarte and Mainoo shielding the backline, United would be less susceptible to counter-attacks, which have been a recurring issue. The team would be better positioned to win the ball back higher up the pitch, disrupting the opposition’s rhythm and reducing the number of shots faced.

Additionally, the 4-2-3-1 allows for smoother transitions from defense to attack. With Ugarte’s ball-winning skills and Mainoo’s ability to distribute, United could quickly turn defense into offense, catching opponents off guard. This could be particularly effective against teams that like to press high, as it would give United the tools to bypass the press and exploit the space behind the opposition’s defense.