Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is still settling into the Premier League. Games like Sunday’s against Chelsea will help.
Manuel Ugarte made only his second ever Premier League start for Manchester United in the draw with Chelsea.
Ugarte’s only previous start in the league came in the loss to Tottenham. Since then he has started exclusively in cup competitions.
After positive signs of Ugarte’s partnership with Casemiro in midweek, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy tuck with the pair against Chelsea.
Manuel Ugarte message
Manuel Ugarte played 84 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and while some fans expressed they wanted more from him in possession, he was competitive off the ball against a strong Chelsea midfield.
United as a whole are not in a good place, 13th in the Premier League, losing more ground on teams in the top 10 with every point dropped.
Ugarte’s post-match message reflected this, focusing on the notion there is lots of work to do to improve, individually and collectively.
He wrote on Instagram: “We gave it our all to get the three points, but unfortunately we couldn’t achieve it.
“There’s still a lot of work to do. We have to keep going.”
Ugarte to be reunited with Amorim
Manuel Ugarte can benefit from the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who managed him at Sporting.
It is the best case scenario for Ugarte, who will build a system he knows will get the best out of the Uruguayan, who was an important player for him.
And while there are no guarantees, the appointment augurs well for Ugarte, who could have a really big part to play in the second half of the season.
United’s challenge is to ensure there is still something left to play for by time Amorim arrives.
Next up in the Premier League, United face Leicester City at Old Trafford, after a Europa League game against PAOK. Two wins are essential.
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