Manchester United produced one of their worst displays in the first half of their contest against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday with the hosts scoring twice.
The hosts were hungrier and sharper, something that is inexcusable and Ruben Amorim had his head in his hands seeing his players fail so spectacularly at carrying out his instructions.
The defence was shambolic, losing every second ball while their decision-making under pressure was shocking, to say the least.
It took Bruno Fernandes‘ 72nd minute free-kick to galvanise the Red Devils, who subsequently looked a different team as they put the hosts under increasing pressure.
Ugarte scored his first United goal
And the equaliser came from an unlikely source as defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte popped up with a stunning half-volley to restore parity.
This was the Uruguayan’s first goal in United red and he took to social media after the game to share his exact feelings after helping his team secure an unlikely point.
We wanted to bring the win home, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Happy and proud of my first goal here.
Let’s focus on the next one.#MUFC @ManUtd @premierleague pic.twitter.com/EI3F8CNjbQ
— Manuel Ugarte (@manuugarte8) February 22, 2025
“We wanted to bring the win home, but it wasn’t meant to be. Happy and proud of my first goal here. Let’s focus on the next one,” he wrote.
The 20-time English league champions missed him massively against Tottenham Hotspur with Casemiro struggling to shield the backline on his own.
Ugarte impressing in an attacking sense
The Uruguay international has come a long way since his summer arrival with the midfielder not managing to impress former boss Erik ten Hag, who failed to hand him regular minutes.
But Amorim, who had worked with him before at Sporting CP, knows exactly what sort of player the 23-year-old is and his trust has allowed Ugarte to flourish.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star has not only impressed defensively but his passing and bravery while carrying the ball have also stood out.
And Saturday’s goal shows what a sweet strike he has on him. Fans will be hoping to see a few more long-range missiles from the combative midfield star moving forward.
Feature image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
