Man Utd Transfer News: 5 key stats about new midfielder Manuel Ugarte

 

Manuel Ugarte has left French giants PSG for Premier League powerhouse Manchester United as Erik ten Hag secures the services of a new midfielder the club have been needing. Following Ugarte's transfer to Old Trafford, we run through five key stats about United's new midfield star. 

 

One of Ligue 1's top tacklers 

 

In his debut season at PSG, Manuel Ugarte quickly transferred his ball winning qualities from Liga Portugal to Ligue 1. Ugarte is yet to make an appearance for PSG this season with a summer move to Manchester United close to completion but in his debut campaign, the 23-year-old finished top for tackles per game (3.9) in France's top tier. United are hoping he can provide the necessary resolve in a key area at Old Trafford this season. 

 

Dominated at the Copa America 

 

Not only does Ugarte dominate midfields for club, he does so for country, too. Uruguay had hoped to go all the way at the 2024 Copa America, only to crash out at the semi-final stage to runners' up Colombia. Throughout the tournament, though, Ugarte shone for Marcelo Bielsa's side. He was the one who broke up play in the middle of the park having made more tackles (25) than any other midfielder, that return ranking third overall.  

 

 

Impressive reading of the game 

 

Not only is Ugarte willing to get stuck in to help protect his side's goal, but he boasts an impressive reading of the game which enables the midfielder to help quickly turn defence into attack. This is important for a Manchester United side that has attempted the seventh most counter attacks (32) since the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season. With Ugarte, that figure should rise, the midfielder ranking third for interceptions per game (1.6) in Ligue 1 last season. 

 

Possession retaining machine 

 

Given PSG's dominance in Ligue 1, it's hardly a shock that a number of their players ranked among the top 10 for pass success rate in the division. One of those was Ugarte, who returned a success rate of 91.5%, that ranking fourth of midfielders and ninth overall. There are question marks over his lack of ball progression but when he does possession, chances are he'll be able to find a teammate with ease.

 

 

Can struggle against driving midfielders 

 

Ugarte is a handy ball winning midfielder, and he is an upgrade on Manchester United's current options in the middle of the park, but we'd be lying to you if we told you he was perfect. Indeed, Ugarte did make a high number of tackles for PSG last season, however he was also dribbled past 1.8 times per game, that the fifth highest in Ligue 1 last season. A 68.1% tackle success rate was better than Casemiro (60.1%) in their respective leagues last term, so United are clearly upgrading in a problem area.

Man Utd Transfer News: 5 key stats about new midfielder Manuel Ugarte