Manuel Ugarte: The Next N'Golo Kante to Strengthen Man Utd's Midfield

Manuel Ugarte has made waves in Ligue 1 with his impressive performance, which saw him achieve a total of 98 tackles in just 21 games. This statistic not only positioned him as the top tackler in the league but also highlighted his exceptional abilities as a defensive midfielder. For comparison, during his last season at Sporting CP, he managed to collect an astounding 121 tackles across 31 matches, making him the standout player in Portugal's Primeira Liga. Such numbers underscore Ugarte's remarkable ball-winning prowess, particularly impressive given that his team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), held possession approximately 66% of the time.

Ugarte's Defensive Mastery in Context

Across Europe’s top leagues, only Joao Palhinha has matched Ugarte’s tackle-per-90-minutes average. Ugarte’s skillset caught the attention of several clubs, especially given Manchester United’s struggles last season, where their midfield vulnerability became increasingly evident. With Ugarte's transfer to Manchester United worth approximately £50.7m, his age of just 23 made his signing all the more appealing as a long-term solution for United’s midfield issues.

Why Ugarte is the Perfect Fit for Manchester United

Many experts and former players have recognized Ugarte's defensive capabilities. As noted by his former manager Juan Ramon Carrasco, "He has seven lungs and never stops," an affirmation of Ugarte’s relentless style of play. Luis Enrique, the current PSG coach, went as far as to compare him with the great N'Golo Kante, reinforcing Ugarte's reputation as a serious contender in the midfield landscape.

• Proficient Tackler: Ugarte's ability to steal the ball is unparalleled.
• Game Intelligence: He effectively reads the game, allowing him to anticipate danger and execute timely interceptions.
• Engine Power: His exceptional stamina makes him a dual threat — offensively and defensively.

What Makes Ugarte Stand Out?

Despite being categorized as a defensive midfielder, Ugarte demonstrated his offensive skills by ranking second in Ligue 1 for possessions won in the final third last season. His aggressive and proactive approach to defending showcases his suitability for Manchester United, who have faced challenges in reinforcing their midfield defenses.

Key Skills and Playing Style

Ugarte’s abilities extend beyond just tackling; his dribbling prowess allows him to engage opponents even from deep in his own half. During his time at Sporting, only two teammates performed more successful take-ons than him. While his passing style leans towards efficiency, with an accuracy rate of approximately 91%, he tends to favor safer choices, indicating room for improvement. Just 15% of his passes were directed forward last season, a statistic that may have caused frustration under a more adventurous manager like Luis Enrique.

The Right Move for Manchester United

Manchester United's need for greater physical intensity and control in midfield is undeniable after conceding 58 goals in the Premier League last season — their worst record yet. Ugarte could serve as the much-needed safety net next to Kobbie Mainoo, whose promising performances were occasionally undermined by the midfield's shortcomings in defensive coverage.

• Room for Growth: While Ugarte's passing could be refined for better offensive support, he excels in ball retention.
• Impactful Presence: His style of play can alleviate pressure on attacking midfielders by providing stronger support in defensive transitions.

Conclusion

With Ugarte's defensive acumen and adaptability to different roles, Manchester United is poised to bolster its midfield significantly. His impressive tackling statistics and ability to read the game suggest that he could become a linchpin in the efforts to restore United's former glory in the Premier League.