Manchester United’s recent acquisition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has sparked much debate among fans and analysts alike. While the Uruguayan midfielder’s arrival was met with enthusiasm, there are reasons why he might not be the key to Manchester United’s long-term success in competition for the Premier League and the Champions League.
Manuel Ugarte’s Style of Play: Strengths and Weaknesses
Manuel Ugarte, is known for his aggressive and tenacious style of play. Ugarte excels as a defensive midfielder, where his primary role is to disrupt the opposition’s play. His strengths lie in his ability to win tackles, break up counter-attacks, and apply relentless pressure on opponents. Ugarte’s high defensive intensity makes him a formidable presence on the pitch, often forcing the opposition into mistakes.
However, while Ugarte’s defensive capabilities are impressive, his weaknesses become apparent when the game demands more than just ball-winning. Ugarte lacks the finesse and vision required to dictate the tempo of the game from deep in midfield. His passing is often conservative, focusing more on retaining possession rather than progressing the ball forward. This limitation in his game raises questions about his suitability for a team with long-term aspirations of dominating both domestically and in Europe.
Why PSG Let Him Go
Paris Saint-Germain’s decision to part ways with Ugarte, despite his initial promise, is telling. Although he was popular with fans for his thunderous challenges and high work rate, Ugarte struggled to maintain consistent performance levels throughout the season. His form fluctuated, particularly in high-pressure games where PSG needed more than just defensive solidity. The club’s new coach, Luis Enrique, favored a different profile of midfielder—one who could not only disrupt opposition attacks but also control the game and contribute to the team’s attacking play.
The arrival of Joao Neves, a young and dynamic midfielder from Benfica, highlighted this shift in PSG’s approach. Neves offered more in terms of ball progression and creativity, attributes that Ugarte couldn’t match. PSG’s decision to let Ugarte go was influenced by their desire for more control in midfield, something Ugarte could not consistently provide. His departure was less about his shortcomings and more about PSG’s evolving tactical needs.
How Will Ugarte Fit into Manchester United’s Team?
At Manchester United, Ugarte is likely to be deployed as a defensive anchor, tasked with breaking up opposition play and providing a shield for the backline. In a counter-attacking setup, Ugarte’s strengths will be valuable. His ability to win back possession quickly and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm can help United launch quick transitions from defense to attack.
However, the fit is not without its concerns. While Ugarte’s defensive skills are undeniable, Manchester United’s long-term success requires more than just a ball-winner in midfield. The modern game increasingly demands midfielders who can contribute to all phases of play—defending, transitioning, and attacking. Ugarte’s limited passing range and conservative approach mean he might struggle to contribute effectively when United are in possession, particularly against teams that sit deep and deny space.
Why Top Teams Need a Playmaker, Not Just a Defensive Hard Man
The evolution of football has seen top teams increasingly rely on deep-lying playmakers who can control games from midfield. Players like Manchester City’s Rodri exemplify this role. Rodri not only offers defensive solidity but also possesses the vision, passing range, and composure to dictate the tempo of the game. His ability to transition from defense to attack with incisive passes makes him indispensable to City’s success.
In contrast, a player like Ugarte, who excels primarily in breaking up play, may offer short-term benefits but lacks the qualities needed for sustained success. Manchester United’s ambitions extend beyond counter-attacking football; they aspire to dominate possession and control games. For this, they need a midfielder who can do more than just disrupt the opposition—someone who can orchestrate play from deep, contribute to build-up phases, and deliver progressive passes that break defensive lines.
Conclusion
Manuel Ugarte brings undeniable defensive qualities to Manchester United, and his aggressive style of play could be effective in specific scenarios. However, his limitations as a playmaker raise concerns about his ability to help United achieve long-term success. As football evolves, the need for a deep-lying playmaker who can control games becomes increasingly vital. While Ugarte might fit well in a counter-attacking setup, Manchester United’s aspirations require a midfielder with the complete skill set—one who can defend, distribute, and dictate the tempo of the game. Without this, United might find that Ugarte’s strengths are not enough to take them to the next level.
