Manuel Ugarte has dispelled concerns about his fitness with a standout performance for Uruguay in their recent World Cup qualifier.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag had earlier suggested that the £50.8 million midfielder might require time to fully integrate into the team. However, Ugarte, despite starting under Uruguay’s head coach Marcelo Bielsa, displayed no signs of sluggishness during Uruguay’s 0-0 draw against Paraguay.
The 23-year-old delivered a commanding performance, completing 52 passes and winning 12 duels before being substituted in the 79th minute. His efforts drew praise from Bielsa, who highlighted Ugarte’s exceptional ball recovery skills, which became a focal point for fans during the match.
Bielsa told reporters, “We had players with great ability to recover the ball. I think what the fans appreciated the most was the number of times Ugarte and our full-backs regained possession.”
After the match, Ugarte, formerly of PSG, expressed his readiness to join Ten Hag’s Manchester United squad. “I’m very happy, hungry, and excited. I feel great and have prepared myself well. While I haven’t played many minutes this season, physically, I feel very good,” he said.
United’s disappointing start to the season, with just one win in their first three Premier League matches, has been a cause for concern. However, Ugarte’s strong performance should reassure Ten Hag that his fitness is not an issue.
Last week, Ten Hag had mentioned that it might take “a couple of weeks, maybe even months” to fully integrate Ugarte into the team. But after this impressive showing, those concerns may now be behind him.
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