Ugarte discusses his special bond with former United starlet as the pair set out to realise ambitious World Cup goal

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has insisted that Uruguay are well in contention to win the World Cup in North America this summer. World Cup hopes Ugarte will be looking to make history when he represents Uruguay at the World Cup, as the nation seeks to add another feather to its cap. Though Uruguay is a relatively small country by population, it remains one of just eight nations to have won the tournament heading into this edition. But it has been 75 years since Uruguay last won it. If they are to enjoy success at the tournament, Ugarte will likely play a big role. He endured a difficult 2025/26 at United despite the club finishing in third place and securing Champions League football. The South American struggled for playing time under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick. It’s looking increasingly likely that his time at United has come to an end, with reports suggesting that there is interest in him from Turkey. There have also been rumours that he has admirers in the Premier League and Serie A. However, for now, Ugarte’s full focus is on the World Cup and according to him, Uruguay can go all the way and lift the trophy. Ugarte’s remarks The 25-year-old told club media, “Uruguay is a small country, but we have a history in football. We won the World Cup before. We know the reality, we know the favourite teams, but Uruguay always can win, in my opinion.” On what representing his country means to him, Ugarte answered, “I love my country. I’m so proud. We are few people, that means we are so together. We are close to each other. We have friends in the squad. We have friends everywhere. So, if we win the World Cup, we’re going to be so happy.” Ugarte singled out Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde as a player who could be decisive for Uruguay at the World Cup. “He’s amazing. He’s an amazing guy. He has everything, that’s my opinion. For me, he’s the most complete player in the world. He can do everything and he does everything well.” “I grew up watching him in the Under-20s so, for me, it’s a big experience playing with him. And also, we have a really good relationship, he’s like my friend, so I’m so happy that he’s with Uruguay.” Ugarte also opened up on his relationship with former United man Guillermo Varela, who was at the club from 2013 to 2017. Now at Flamengo, Ugarte notes that Varela still speaks well of his time in Manchester. “Yeah, I spoke with him about the club and also I spoke with the staff [at United] about him. They like him and, of course, he has really good memories in this club. He was young when he was here, but he enjoyed [it] a lot and it was a big achievement in his career. Ugarte said of working under Marcelo Bielsa, who was renowned for his intense, no-nonsense training regimen at Leeds United, “Yeah, Marcelo, he’s special. He’s a special manager. He wants to control everything. He’s really good, looking at you, how you play, what you need. And yeah, everyone is with him. It’s going to be really important all together, all closer, and try to follow his ideas.” He continued, “The next preparation, for the World Cup, I think it’s going to be [intense], and it’s good because if you reach, between us, a good intensity, in the World Cup, nothing going to be more intense than that. So, in that way, it’s good for us.” Ugarte and his teammates kickstart their World Cup campaign on Tuesday, 16 June, when they face Saudi Arabia. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!