{"id":457825,"date":"2026-03-04T22:33:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T22:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/457825\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T22:33:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T22:33:10","slug":"matthijs-de-ligt-says-manuel-ugarte-is-better-than-anybody-else-at-man-utd-in-one-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/457825\/","title":{"rendered":"Matthijs de Ligt says Manuel Ugarte is better than anybody else at Man Utd in one way"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google <\/a> <\/p>\n

Matthijs de Ligt has hailed Manchester United teammate Manuel Ugarte as the \u2018toughest tackler\u2019 in the squad.<\/p>\n

Michael Carrick<\/a> has not made too many changes to his preferred Manchester United<\/a> line-up from week to week.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> had to prove himself after initially starring as a substitute under Carrick, though the same applied to Benjamin Sesko<\/a> before he started in United\u2019s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace<\/a> on Sunday.<\/p>\n

That also means some players aren\u2019t getting much of a look in, including Manuel Ugarte<\/a>, with doubts existing over his future at Old Trafford<\/a> following an underwhelming transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.<\/p>\n

How worried are you about Kobbie Mainoo not yet signing a new contract? <\/p>\n

\"KobbiePhoto by Robbie Jay Barratt \u2013 AMA\/Getty Images \"ManuelPhoto by Ash Donelon\/Manchester United via Getty ImagesMatthijs de Ligt highlights Manuel Ugarte\u2019s main strength at Man Utd<\/p>\n

Carrick has settled on a midfield with Casemiro<\/a> partnered by Kobbie Mainoo<\/a>, allowing Bruno Fernandes<\/a> to push further forward into his preferred No.10 role.<\/p>\n

As a result, Ugarte has played a total of 27 minutes as a substitute under Carrick. The Uruguayan\u2019s last cameo came during United\u2019s 2-0 win over Tottenham<\/a> on February 7, when he featured for three minutes.<\/p>\n

With Ugarte often overlooked and United likely to revamp the midfield department in the summer, it doesn\u2019t sound like the 24-year-old has a long future at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n

During a TikTok video on United\u2019s official account<\/a>, several first-team players were told to \u2018pass the cap\u2019 on to a teammate. Senne Lammens<\/a> got the ball rolling by naming Harry Maguire<\/a> as the best golfer in the team.<\/p>\n

However, when the hat was passed to Matthijs de Ligt<\/a>, the Dutch defender was tasked with passing it to the \u2018toughest tackler\u2019 in the squad when he gave it to Ugarte.<\/p>\n

Best golfer \u2013 Harry MaguireBaldest \u2013 Bryan MbeumoLeader \u2013 Matthijs de LigtToughest tackler \u2013 Manuel UgartePlays too much golf \u2013 Mason MountTallest player \u2013 Altay Bayindir<\/p>\n

Ugarte may not be of the required standard to start in Carrick\u2019s team, but he is still recognised in the team for his tough tackling.<\/p>\n

Other tough tacklers in the squad include Lisandro Martinez<\/a>, Harry Maguire<\/a>, and Casemiro.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s probably the only praise Ugarte will receive at United this season, apart from his display in United\u2019s 1-1 draw against Leeds<\/a> at Elland Road.<\/p>\n

Carrick maintains that Ugarte has a role to play<\/a>, but he is unlikely to get a run in the team as a start unless Mainoo or Casemiro face a sustained period out.<\/p>\n

Do you want Manuel Ugarte to be a Manchester United player for the 2026\/27 season? <\/p>\n

\"ManuelPhoto by Nigel French\/Sportsphoto\/Allstar via Getty Images Manuel Ugarte stats this season<\/p>\n

Ugarte has made 20 appearances for United across all competitions this season.<\/p>\n

With a total of 877 minutes played this term, Ugarte has started just seven games in the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The last league start came in United\u2019s 2-2 draw against Burnley<\/a> as he played 84 minutes against the relegation contenders.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It remains to be seen if Ugarte will play a role tonight when United take on Newcastle at St. James\u2019 Park.<\/p>\n

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