Manuel Ugarte, one of the key signings for Manchester United during the summer transfer window, has already faced criticism, especially after the team’s defeat to Tottenham on Sunday. Ugarte was brought in from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with the goal of bolstering Manchester United’s midfield, following a series of high-profile signings aimed at strengthening the squad. Despite his relatively short time at PSG, having only spent one season with the French club, expectations surrounding Ugarte’s potential at Old Trafford were considerable.
However, his performance in the match against Tottenham left much to be desired. The midfielder struggled to make an impact and couldn’t prevent the away side from controlling the game, which ultimately led to a disappointing result for United at home. The match was a critical one for Erik ten Hag’s squad, as they looked to bounce back and show improvement after a series of mixed results earlier in the season. Instead, Ugarte’s inability to effectively disrupt Tottenham’s dominance on the pitch highlighted concerns about his current level of influence in Manchester United’s midfield.
The criticism surrounding Ugarte’s performance is part of a broader wave of scrutiny directed at Manchester United’s transfer dealings. Many are questioning the overall effectiveness of the club’s recruitment strategy, particularly under manager Erik ten Hag. This criticism stems from a growing perception that the large sums spent on players, including Ugarte, have not led to the expected improvements in performance. Fans and pundits alike are pointing out that, despite substantial investments in new players, Manchester United has not shown consistent progress on the pitch.
Marco van Basten, a former football star and pundit, added his voice to the criticism following the defeat to Tottenham. He was particularly vocal about Ugarte’s performance, suggesting that the midfielder had failed to live up to the expectations that had been placed on him. The high-profile signing from PSG was expected to bring a level of stability and creativity to United’s midfield, but so far, he has struggled to assert himself in key matches. His underwhelming performance against Tottenham was a stark reminder that, despite the club’s efforts in the transfer market, the team’s current form still leaves much to be desired.
