Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund has hailed teammate Manuel Ugarte as one of the most underrated players in the squad, insisting the Uruguayan midfielder has yet to receive the credit his performances deserve. Since joining the club last summer from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £50.5 million, Ugarte has gradually established himself as a key figure in Ruben Amorim’s midfield, earning plaudits for his tireless work rate and combative style.
Ugarte’s Journey to Old Trafford
Ugarte’s arrival at Manchester United was met with high expectations, but his start to life at Old Trafford was far from smooth. Under former manager Erik ten Hag, the 23-year-old struggled to break into the starting XI, with the Dutchman favouring other midfield options. However, the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s replacement in late 2023 marked a turning point in Ugarte’s United career.
The pair had previously worked together at Sporting Lisbon, where Ugarte’s tenacity and defensive acumen made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Reunited with Amorim at United, Ugarte has begun to showcase the qualities that convinced the club to invest heavily in his services. His performances against top sides like Liverpool and Arsenal have been particularly impressive, with the midfielder excelling in breaking up play and providing a solid foundation for United’s attacks.
Højlund’s Praise for Ugarte
Speaking to Sky Sports, Højlund was asked to name the most underrated player in the United squad. Without hesitation, the Danish striker singled out Ugarte, highlighting the midfielder’s recent contributions and the lack of recognition he has received.
“I think you’ve seen it a little bit more now with the new manager coming in, how well he’s been doing,” Højlund said. “Obviously, the results have not been good enough, but he’s been a standout player lately. You see his quality, you see those workhorses in teams—they don’t get the appreciation.”
Højlund also drew parallels between Ugarte and Amad Diallo, another United player who has recently begun to earn plaudits for his performances. “For example, Amad has been doing amazing recently, and he’s starting to get his recognition. But Manu has also been very, very good. You’re starting to see now that he’s performing on another level.”
Ugarte’s Impact Under Amorim
Since Amorim’s arrival, Ugarte has become an integral part of United’s midfield, offering a blend of defensive solidity and tactical intelligence. His ability to cover ground, win duels, and disrupt opposition play has been crucial in games against top-tier opponents. Against Liverpool, Ugarte’s relentless pressing and positional discipline helped United secure a hard-fought draw, while his performance in the victory over Arsenal showcased his ability to dominate the midfield battle.
Despite these standout displays, Ugarte’s contributions have often flown under the radar, with much of the focus remaining on United’s attacking stars. However, as Højlund pointed out, the Uruguayan’s work ethic and consistency deserve greater recognition, particularly in a season where United have struggled for results.
The Bigger Picture for United
Ugarte’s emergence as a key player under Amorim is a positive sign for United as they look to rebuild and compete for major honours. The midfielder’s ability to anchor the midfield and provide a platform for the team’s creative players will be crucial in the coming months, especially as United aim to climb the Premier League table and make a deep run in the Europa League.
For Højlund, who has also been finding his feet at Old Trafford, Ugarte’s performances serve as a reminder of the importance of teamwork and balance in the squad. The Danish striker, who has shown flashes of his potential since joining from Atalanta, will be hoping to build a strong partnership with Ugarte and the rest of the midfield as United look to turn their season around.
Looking Ahead: Tottenham Clash
United’s next challenge comes on Sunday, when they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial Premier League clash. Ugarte is expected to play a key role in midfield, tasked with nullifying the threat of Spurs’ creative players and providing the platform for United to counterattack.
For Amorim, the game represents an opportunity to build on recent improvements and secure a statement victory against a top-four rival. With players like Ugarte and Højlund beginning to find their rhythm, there is growing optimism that United can start to climb the table and challenge for a European spot.
A Bright Future for Ugarte
As Højlund’s comments highlight, Ugarte’s contributions are beginning to earn the recognition they deserve. While the Uruguayan may not grab headlines with flashy skills or goal-scoring exploits, his importance to the team cannot be overstated. In a season of transition and rebuilding, players like Ugarte provide the foundation upon which success can be built.
For United fans, the emergence of a player who embodies grit, determination, and tactical intelligence is a welcome sight. As the season progresses, Ugarte’s role will only grow in importance, and if his performances continue to impress, it won’t be long before he is recognised as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
