Manuel Ugarte’s defensive prowess has been a standout feature of his career, and his performances in recent seasons underline his potential impact on any team. In his final campaign with Sporting CP, Ugarte accumulated 121 tackles in just 31 games, the highest tally in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. This statistic highlights his exceptional ability to disrupt opposition play and recover possession.
Across European leagues, only Joao Palhinha has averaged more tackles per 90 minutes than Ugarte. Palhinha, who Ugarte succeeded in Sporting’s midfield, made a move to Fulham. Ugarte’s impressive defensive statistics were a key factor in his £51 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer.
As the transfer window opens, Ugarte’s name has resurfaced on the radar of top clubs, with Manchester United expressing significant interest. Last season, United struggled defensively, with their midfield being a particular area of concern. Under Erik ten Hag, the team finished in eighth place, their worst Premier League finish in history. The lack of defensive solidity in the midfield was a recurring issue, making Ugarte a potential solution.
Ugarte, at just 23 years old, offers a promising alternative to the aging Casemiro. His defensive capabilities have earned him praise from various quarters. Former Fenix manager Juan Ramon Carrasco noted Ugarte’s relentless energy, describing him as having “seven lungs” and an “extraordinary ability to steal the ball.” PSG head coach Luis Enrique and defender Lucas Hernandez have both compared him to N’Golo Kante, a player renowned for his defensive and midfield dominance. Hernandez’s comparison is particularly noteworthy as he has played alongside Kante for France, underscoring the high regard in which Ugarte is held.
The comparison to Kante is not unfounded. Ugarte’s game is characterized by his excellent reading of play, smart interceptions, and a formidable engine that allows him to impact both ends of the pitch. Despite being primarily a defensive midfielder, he ranked second in Ligue 1 for possessions won in the final third last season, reflecting his proactive defensive approach.
However, Ugarte’s aggressive style has occasionally led to disciplinary issues. A notable instance was his red card in a Europa League match against Arsenal for a foul on Bukayo Saka. Despite such moments, his overall discipline has been solid, with only two red cards across four seasons in Europe. His resilience and performance in high-stakes matches, like the Europa League tie with Arsenal, where he was pivotal in securing a draw and advancing through penalties, highlight his importance to the team.
Ugarte’s dribbling ability is another asset, enabling him to progress the ball effectively upfield. During Sporting’s Europa League run, only two of his teammates—wingers Pote and Marcus Edwards—completed more take-ons than Ugarte.
Manchester United’s need for a more secure midfield is urgent. The team conceded 58 goals in the Premier League last season, the most in their history, and allowed more shots on goal than all but three teams. Ugarte’s defensive capabilities could address these issues, offering greater protection and control in the middle of the park.
Although Ugarte has primarily played as part of a double pivot, alongside players like Hidemasa Morita and Vitinha, his versatility could benefit United. He could complement young talent such as Kobbie Mainoo, who had a breakout season but occasionally struggled defensively due to Casemiro’s inability to cover spaces effectively. Ugarte’s physicality and ball-handling skills would provide balance and support.
While Ugarte’s passing accuracy, around 91%, is higher than Casemiro’s 83%, his conservative passing style—evident from his low percentage of forward passes—could be an area for improvement. Despite this, his ability to retain possession and contribute defensively would address some of United’s issues with control and turnover.
As Manchester United looks to rebuild and address their midfield deficiencies, Manuel Ugarte represents a potentially transformative addition. His defensive tenacity, coupled with his ability to contribute offensively, could help Erik ten Hag achieve a more balanced and effective midfield.
