Manchester United’s summer transfer window saw five notable additions to the squad, including Manuel Ugarte, but the midfielder is already under scrutiny as Erik ten Hag’s transfer policies and spending choices face growing criticism. The club’s recruitment strategy has been a subject of debate, with some questioning whether the new signings have made the expected impact.
Ugarte, who was acquired from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to bolster Manchester United’s midfield, struggled during the team’s recent match against Tottenham Hotspur. His performance in Sunday’s defeat raised concerns about his ability to adapt to the Premier League, as Spurs controlled the game at Old Trafford. Despite being viewed as a key addition to United’s squad, the Uruguayan international failed to assert his presence in midfield, leaving his team vulnerable to Tottenham’s attacking play.
The expectations surrounding Ugarte were high when he arrived at Manchester United, especially considering his potential and the investment the club made in securing his services. Although his tenure at PSG lasted only a single season, his performances in France had shown promise, which led to optimism about his role at Old Trafford. However, his struggles against Tottenham have intensified discussions about whether he can live up to those expectations in the highly competitive environment of English football.
Following the match, Dutch football legend Marco van Basten publicly criticized Ugarte’s display, further fueling the debate over Manchester United’s transfer decisions. Van Basten’s comments added to the scrutiny of both the player and the club’s overall approach to recruitment under Ten Hag. The manager has been under pressure to justify the club’s spending in recent transfer windows, especially as some of the high-profile signings have yet to deliver consistent performances.
Manchester United’s midfield has been a point of concern in recent seasons, and Ugarte was brought in with the hope of strengthening that area. His aggressive playing style and defensive capabilities were expected to bring more stability, but his struggles against Tottenham have raised questions about whether he will be able to meet the demands of English football.
As the season progresses, Ugarte will have opportunities to prove himself and silence the critics. Adapting to the Premier League can take time, and not all players hit the ground running immediately. However, with growing pressure on Erik ten Hag to justify his recruitment choices, the scrutiny on Ugarte is unlikely to ease anytime soon. Whether he can turn things around and become a key figure for Manchester United remains to be seen.
