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Matthijs de Ligt has hailed Manchester United teammate Manuel Ugarte as the ‘toughest tackler’ in the squad.
Michael Carrick has not made too many changes to his preferred Manchester United line-up from week to week.
Unless he has to, due to injury or suspension, Carrick will stick with the same defence or midfield, though there has been more competition for places in attack. Matheus Cunha had to prove himself after initially starring as a substitute under Carrick, though the same applied to Benjamin Sesko before he started in United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
That also means some players aren’t getting much of a look in, including Manuel Ugarte, with doubts existing over his future at Old Trafford following an underwhelming transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.
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Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images 
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty ImagesMatthijs de Ligt highlights Manuel Ugarte’s main strength at Man Utd
Carrick has settled on a midfield with Casemiro partnered by Kobbie Mainoo, allowing Bruno Fernandes to push further forward into his preferred No.10 role.
As a result, Ugarte has played a total of 27 minutes as a substitute under Carrick. The Uruguayan’s last cameo came during United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on February 7, when he featured for three minutes.
With Ugarte often overlooked and United likely to revamp the midfield department in the summer, it doesn’t sound like the 24-year-old has a long future at Old Trafford.
During a TikTok video on United’s official account, several first-team players were told to ‘pass the cap’ on to a teammate. Senne Lammens got the ball rolling by naming Harry Maguire as the best golfer in the team.
However, when the hat was passed to Matthijs de Ligt, the Dutch defender was tasked with passing it to the ‘toughest tackler’ in the squad when he gave it to Ugarte.
Best golfer – Harry MaguireBaldest – Bryan MbeumoLeader – Matthijs de LigtToughest tackler – Manuel UgartePlays too much golf – Mason MountTallest player – Altay Bayindir
Ugarte may not be of the required standard to start in Carrick’s team, but he is still recognised in the team for his tough tackling.
Other tough tacklers in the squad include Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Casemiro.
It’s probably the only praise Ugarte will receive at United this season, apart from his display in United’s 1-1 draw against Leeds at Elland Road.
Carrick maintains that Ugarte has a role to play, but he is unlikely to get a run in the team as a start unless Mainoo or Casemiro face a sustained period out.
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Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images Manuel Ugarte stats this season
Ugarte has made 20 appearances for United across all competitions this season.
With a total of 877 minutes played this term, Ugarte has started just seven games in the Premier League.
The last league start came in United’s 2-2 draw against Burnley as he played 84 minutes against the relegation contenders.
Ugarte has been unable to push Casemiro for a place in the team, despite the fact that United know they will be losing the Brazilian veteran in the summer.
It remains to be seen if Ugarte will play a role tonight when United take on Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
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