Former Man Utd star compares Manuel Ugarte to Red Devils legends | Football

Ugarte was one of the transfer sagas of the summer as Manchester United pursued the Uruguayan midfielder and eventually landed him at the end of August, paying Paris Saint-Germain an initial £42m for his signature.

He has already turned out for his new club in the Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup as he settles into life in a new country.

Hargreaves, who played a similar holding midfield role for United as Ugarte is being tasked with, is a big fan of what he brings to the table.

The former England star thinks Ugarte is going to be very popular with Red Devils fans and says there is no one better in Europe at performing his job in front of the defence.

‘This kid will deliver because he’s a player,’ Hargreaves said on TNT Sports. ‘He’s a one-man press, tackle. He turns the ball over as good as anyone in European football and I think United fans are going to love him.

‘They’ve seen these players over the years, the Bryan Robsons, the Paul Inces, the Paul Scholes, Michael Carricks. Ugarte gives you that, he gives you balance.

‘He’s probably not the best attacking player but in terms of protection in front of the back four, getting the ball back, getting the ball to guys who are going to win you the game.

‘He’s just what Manchester United need. I love the fact that they signed a kid like him. He’s got a heart of a lion and these fans have seen those players and they love that type of player. I think he’s going to be perfect for United.

‘I think he’s a good partner for Kobbie Mainoo as well. It’s going to be a good balance in midfield, better than it was last season.’

Goal-scorer Christian Eriksen said after the underwhelming performance: ‘I think mostly disappointed as a team, we wanted more in the end. Far from good enough. They looked like they wanted it more – that can’t be right.’

Ugarte was very damning of his own performance, writing on Instagram: ‘I’m the first to make self-criticism. It wasn’t a great match personally. We have to keep working.’

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