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Monday 06 January 2025 13:00
Manchester United fans – plus a Reds legend – have been hailing the performance of Manuel Ugarte, following the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Uruguay international was everywhere on Merseyside, providing the midfield base for arguably United’s best performance at the home of our rivals in a decade.
Ugarte completed three of his four tackles during the match, which was more than any other player on the pitch.
The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was also decisive in possession, with only Amad bettering his 88 per cent pass-completion rate among our starters.
He helped create the last-gasp chance for Harry Maguire with a daring hooked pass while under pressure from four Liverpool players, and his showing in L4 received rave reviews from United icon Paul Scholes.
This pass highlights Ugarte’s mentality Video
This pass highlights Ugarte’s mentality
VISION | Under pressure from three opponents, Manuel Ugarte produced an incredible pass to create our last-gasp chance…
“He’s probably done better than I thought he would do,” said Scholes.
“He [Amorim] said before that Ugarte did well for him at Sporting Lisbon, as a really young player as well – so he knows him.
“This lad is really growing in confidence. I thought he took up some great positions, he helped defensively, he helped with the attack and I thought he had the composure to take the ball as well.”
MUTV pundit Danny Webber agreed with that assessment, highlighting our no.25’s tigerish qualities in difficult conditions.
“Ugarte was at it, he was strong. I think everything he did, he did with conviction. Off the ball, he covered ground,” said Webber.
“I thought he had serious aggression when he needed to go in and win the ball. And then he’s got the composure when he was in transition to start attacks. I thought he was outstanding.”
Supporters were all hugely enthusiastic about the contribution of the 23-year-old too. Scroll down for three of the best comments…
Best tackles and blocks v Liverpool Video
Best tackles and blocks v Liverpool
FIGHTING SPIRIT | Watch the best defensive actions at Liverpool, starring De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro and more…
Liam Canning: Ugarte is some player. Fantastic signing for us. Great industry and neat and tidy on the ball.
Dev Bajwa: Manuel Ugarte is absolutely indispensable in this system and this is why I wanted us so badly to bring him in. And he’s only 23 years old.
Dylan McBennett: Manuel Ugarte is absolutely unbelievable. What a footballer. Incredible today against the best performing midfield in the league this season in Liverpool. Absolutely everywhere, and better on the ball than a lot of people give him credit for.
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Monday 06 January 2025 13:00
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