How good is Ugarte out of possession?

Manuel Ugarte accepts that some of his work goes unheralded but the latest stats illustrate just how valuable he is when Manchester United are out of possession.

The Uruguay international played under Ruben Amorim previously, with Sporting, and is well-versed in the tactical system favoured by our head coach.

It means he knows what it takes to get around the pitch and ensure he provides the energy demanded by the boss.

CIES Football have revealed that only one midfielder across the big five European leagues covers more distance without the ball, per 90 minutes, than Ugarte.

Top out-of-possession distance, per 90′ out-of-possession, big-5⃣ midfielders 🏃‍♂️ (@SkillCorner)
🥇 #AleksandarPavlovic 🇩🇪 16.3km
🥈 #ManuelUgarte 🇺🇾 & #TommasoPobega 🇮🇹 16.0km
4⃣ #TylerAdams 🇺🇸 15.9km
5⃣ #RodrigoBentancur 🇺🇾 15.8km
More about #SkillCorner 👉… pic.twitter.com/xwlIv569E6

— CIES Football Obs (@CIES_Football) April 3, 2025

Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic is the only man to post better figures than our South American grafter.

The Germany international has come through the ranks with the Bavarian giants and just edges out Manuel and Bologna’s Tommaso Pobega to clinch first spot in the rankings.

Two Premier League performers make up the remainder of the top five – Bournemouth’s tigerish Tyler Adams and Ugarte’s fellow Uruguayan at Tottenham Hotspur, Rodrigo Bentancur.

When our no.25 spoke to United Review, the official matchday programme, earlier this year, he was asked if he was pleased that more in-depth analysis of the modern game was able to shine a light on some of the crucial ‘dirty work’ he undertakes in every game.

“Of course, it is great that they recognise me not just for goals,” he said. “It motivates me a lot. However, I love the details of the matches, and the tactical side of things. These days, the other side of the game just as important, not just the goals and assists.”

Ugarte could have a key role to play in Sunday’s Manchester derby and he admits the 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium in December, when he turned in an impressive display, has been the highlight of his fledgling United career to date.

“I think a special moment was the victory against City,” he declared. “Not just the result but how we connected with the fans. I think this was the moment I enjoyed the most.”

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