Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte gave his first interview in English for the club website after his side’s 2-1 win over West Ham United in pre-season.
Mixed year last season
The Uruguay international had a very up and down season last year.
There were moments when his all-action style were critical and he was highly impressive against Liverpool at Anfield in January.
Nonetheless, there were moments when he struggled to get involved in games and his ability on the ball was called into question.
Speaking after the match to the club’s official website, Ugarte was in an upbeat mood over the team’s showing in New Jersey.
Commenting on the match he stated, “yeah it was good. I think it was a good game, we won and that was important and we have to prepare.”
Praise for Kobbie Mainoo
His manager Ruben Amorim praised the midfield partnership of Kobbie Mainoo and Ugarte and the Uruguay international was also complimentary of the Englishman.
Elaborating on Mainoo’s performance he stated, “Kobs is a young player who has experience and he has really good quality with the ball. I think he did really well tonight, so it was important for him.”
Key role of communication
Ugarte then highlighted what his manager Ruben Amorim has told him to continue working on to try and reach his full potential this season.
The 24-year-old claimed “he told me and he is always saying about the communication. Speak to everyone and try to organise the team.”
He also added that he is expected “to recover the ball as soon as possible. So I think we did, not only me, but the team, we played very well.”
This was seen in abundant evidence when he won the ball with a crunching tackle in the first half, went on a mazey run and played a beautiful pass to Amad, who fired in but was unfortunately called offside.
Ugarte was then asked on how the team feels playing in America and he retorted, “of course, in the USA there are a lot of United fans, we can see every day in the hotel and the street and it is important to understand where we are, so we are enjoying it but we have a responsibility.”
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
