Full Name: Manuel Ugarte Ribeiro Date of Birth: April 11, 2001 Nationality: Uruguayan Position: Defensive Midfielder Current Club: Manchester United Previous Clubs: Fénix, Famalicão, Sporting CP, Paris Saint-Germain
Early Career and Development
Manuel Ugarte started his professional journey with Fénix in Uruguay at just 15 years old, demonstrating immense potential as a deep-lying midfielder. His physicality, game intelligence, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks made him a standout performer. In 2020, Ugarte moved to Europe, signing with Famalicão in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, where his performances quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs.
Sporting CP and Paris Saint-Germain
In 2021, Ugarte moved to Sporting CP, where he solidified his reputation as a top-tier defensive midfielder. His impressive ball recovery skills and tenacity helped Sporting compete both domestically and in the Champions League. After two successful seasons, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) signed Ugarte in 2023 for a reported €60 million fee. He became a key figure in PSG’s midfield, helping balance their star-studded lineup.
Manchester United (2024-Present)
In a major move during the 2024 season, Ugarte transferred to Manchester United for a reported fee of around £50.5 million. His arrival was seen as crucial to strengthening United’s midfield, particularly in providing defensive cover and ball distribution. Ugarte is expected to partner with players like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, adding depth to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Playing Style and Strengths
Defensive Prowess: Ugarte is known for his exceptional tackling and ability to win back possession. His relentless pressing and physicality help him dominate the midfield.
Positional Awareness: His intelligence and understanding of the game allow him to read the play effectively, positioning himself to intercept passes and break up opposition attacks.
Ball Distribution: Ugarte is not only a ball-winner but also adept at initiating attacks with accurate short and long passes, transitioning quickly from defense to offense.
Work Rate and Stamina: His energy and endurance make him a perfect fit for high-intensity systems, capable of covering large areas of the pitch.
International Career
Ugarte debuted for the Uruguay National Team in 2021 and has since become a regular feature in the squad. His performances in international competitions, including the Copa América and World Cup Qualifiers, have further enhanced his reputation as one of the brightest young midfield talents from South America.
Current Status
As of 2024, Ugarte is seen as a key addition to Manchester United’s midfield and is expected to play a pivotal role in their quest for domestic and European success. His defensive contributions and ball-carrying ability will be vital as United look to challenge for major honors.
Uruguay
