Manuel Ugarte offers honest take on club issues and his relationship with Ruben Amorim

With many of Manchester United’s players now away with their respective countries for the international break, Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte has spoken honestly about his form and Ruben Amorim

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has confessed he knows he has endured a poor start to the campaign, but insists he still sees eye-to-eye with Ruben Amorim. The Uruguay international is yet to be included in a Premier League starting XI this term.

Following 85 appearances for Sporting CP during Amorim’s tenure with the Portuguese giants, many expected Ugarte to become a cornerstone of the United head coach’s team at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, his sole start so far this season was in the embarrassing Carabao Cup second round elimination to Grimsby Town.

At Blundell Park, Ugarte did not even see the second half as he was hauled off at half time. Amorim’s feelings on Ugarte’s form were made even clearer when the Uruguayan was left on the bench for the entirety of United’s tight 3-2 home win over Burnley on Saturday.

READ MORE: Will Grimsby vs Man Utd be replayed? EFL stance clear as statement releasedREAD MORE: Ruben Amorim’s strongest Man Utd XI after six new signings as transfer window closes

Reflecting on his beginning to the new season, Ugarte was refreshingly candid. Speaking to El Observador, Ugarte said: « We haven’t started the season very well. My level wasn’t the best either, we have to be realistic and honest. »

He then added, however: « But I’m very confident, I have a very good relationship with the coach. I work well and I’m very excited and eager to earn a starting spot. »

Last campaign, Amorim particularly highlighted Ugarte as a player who has yet to adapt to the Premier League pace, despite his £42.3million summer 2024 switch from Paris Saint-Germain with potential add-ons of approximately £8.5m.

The Portuguese boss singled out Ugarte for critique following his own goal during United’s 3-1 triumph over Southampton at Old Trafford back in January. When pressed specifically about Ugarte’s display, the Red Devils chief highlighted the struggles the United midfielder endured against Southampton pair Joe Aribo and Mateus Fernandes.

Amorim said: « Mateus [Fernandes] was with the number seven [Joe Aribo], creating a lot of problems for Manu (Ugarte), because Manu was running against two guys. So it’s more my fault than his fault. He is going to get used to playing every three days. »

Looking at Amorim’s team selections, it’s apparent the Portuguese tactician doesn’t feel the South American is prepared for consistent Premier League action. Amorim has deployed a central partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro at the heart of his 3-4-3 system.

The Red Devils chief also brought on Kobbie Mainoo as a substitute during the second period against Burnley, indicating Ugarte is presently fourth in the pecking order amongst the squad’s midfield options. With United eliminated from the League Cup and absent from European competition, Ugarte’s chances to feature in the engine room could prove limited.

Whilst he has expressed confidence both his displays and the team’s performances will develop, Amorim’s earlier remarks suggest Ugarte can occasionally find himself experiencing periods of dejection. During the summer pre-season tour of the United States, Amorim spoke about the 24-year-old’s challenges.

The United boss said: « The first thing is adaptation to a new team, a new country. Sometimes, you just look inside of the pitch but, off the pitch, you can have some trouble sometimes.

« He is more adapted and then he needs more confidence, it’s also my job. If you look last year, take Bruno [Fernandes], who is always confident, and look at the team and the performance of the team if he doesn’t perform well.

« We can see today, when they are confident in their play, it seems like everyone can touch the ball and have confidence. it is more a team thing than individual. »

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