Manuel Ugarte Prepared for Man Utd Experience with Help From Ex-PSG Standout | OneFootball

Manchester United’s summer signing, Manuel Ugarte, has faced some early adversity during the 2024-25 season. United secured Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €50 million, with an additional €10 million in potential add-ons and a 10 percent sell-on clause.

Although Erik ten Hag was the manager who brought Ugarte to Old Trafford, the responsibility of unlocking the midfielder’s full potential now rests with new boss Rúben Amorim.

Ugarte previously thrived under Amorim’s leadership at Sporting CP from 2021 to 2023, a spell that helped him earn a move to PSG.

Former PSG star gave Manuel Ugarte heads up about Man Utd

Octavio Passos/Getty Images

According to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, former PSG striker Edinson Cavani prepared Ugarte for what to expect at Manchester United. The two, who were roommates during Uruguay’s international duty, often discussed the club.

Following a challenging start to his first season at Old Trafford, the 23-year-old has begin to show the form he displayed at Sporting Lisbon that led to his move to the French capital.

Last month, The Uruguayan has silenced his critics, earning praise for being ‘horrible’ to play against after playing a key role in Manchester United’s weekend victory over rivals Manchester City.

“He has really, really surprised me,” Troy Deeney said after naming Ugarte in his BBC Sport Team of the Week. “I know it’s still early days under the new manager, but Ugarte has a bit of bite about him. He’s a bit horrible and even at 1-0 down he was making important tackles, blocks and getting attacks started.

“I thought he was the catalyst as to why they went on to win. I thought if it wasn’t for him they wouldn’t actually be in the game. An underrated performance that only his team-mates will appreciate.”