Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has opened up on teammate Ayden Heaven, revealing what surprised him the most about the defender.
Heaven joined United during the January transfer window and has been a revelation since. After a few off-the-bench appearances, he was handed his first start for the club during last week’s 4-1 Europa League victory over Real Sociedad, and didn’t put a foot wrong alongside seasoned professionals.
The 18-year-old followed that up with another top-class second-half performance against his former club Arsenal. He got his first Premier League start during Sunday’s 3-0 triumph over Leicester City and was producing a defensive masterclass before he sustained a serious-looking injury shortly after the break.
Ruben Amorim insisted that an update on his fitness will be provided this week once the player has been subjected to more thorough examinations.
After the final whistle at the King Power Stadium, Ugarte spoke to The National’s Andy Mitten and was asked about Heaven’s promising start to life at United.
Ugarte said, “He’s a very strong guy. This surprised me about him, the personality he has. He’s played very well in the last few games.”
“Let’s hope he isn’t too bad and that he recovers well and is ready for what’s to come.”
Another player Ugarte spoke about was Bruno Fernandes, who is in fantastic form at the moment. Fernandes had a role to play in each of United’s three goals vs. the Foxes. He registered assists for Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho’s strikes before getting on the score sheet himself late on with a thumping finish.
Ugarte told Mitten, “Bruno is doing very well. He’s at a very high level. His quality in terms of goals, assists, and how he’s committed defensively is important.”
“He’s the captain, and we all look up to him. I feel comfortable playing with him. He’s a very good person on a daily basis.”
United finally seem to have turned a corner and are now four games unbeaten.
According to Ugarte, the mood in the dressing room is positive and there is optimism the Red Devils can finish the season strongly.
“I think we’re more solid, more consistent, but the important thing is that we are winning again, that we maintain consistency in the victories, and we’re slowly achieving that. Obviously it takes work, but yes, I think we’re more solid when it comes to defending, and that’s important.”
“We go to the international break with a 3-0 win, we didn’t concede any goals. We dominated a large part of the game, and we were decisive in front of the goal, and that’s important.”
“The training is very good. Very intense. We always try to match the intensity of the game, and that’s important, because then it’s easier for us to have intensity in the game. And well, I think that takes time, too. It takes time to know the dynamics, but we’re happy.
The Uruguayan continued, “I’m playing, I feel good. Obviously we want to get up to the top. We’re not in a good position in the table of the Premier League, but it’s a long way, and I think we’re on the right track.”
“The biggest difference [between Ligue 1 and the Premier League] is the pace and intensity. It’s much more intense here. Obviously, the Ligue 1 in France is physical, but I don’t know if it’s as intense. Here, it’s more of an attack. You attack from one side, then the other. Ligue 1 is a bit slower.”
After the international break, United have a number of crucial fixtures. United face Nottingham Forest on April 1 and then host cross-town rivals Manchester City five days later. The 20-time English champions will then make their way to France for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon before coming up against Newcastle on 13th April at St James’ Park.
Ugarte added, “We have very important games now. Luckily, after the break, other players from the national teams come [back from injury], and that’s important. We’re going to try to focus as much as possible, as we’ve been doing today, and we hope to win the first game back.”
The 23-year-old emphasised that it’s important United build on the good run of results they’re currently on.
He also hailed the club’s fans for their relentless support, both home and away.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
