Man Utd Transfer News: Stats prove Ugarte is an immediate improvement on Casemiro

Having seemingly missed out on Sander Berge, with Fulham now leading the way for the Norway international, Manchester United quickly stepped up their interest in Manuel Ugarte once more. The Uruguayan was left out of PSG's squad for their 4-1 season-opening win at Le Havre on Friday night, a clear indication that the midfielder has no future with the French side. 

A new central midfielder has been high on United's wishlist this summer, more so after the additions of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. While a number of alternatives were explored, including Fulham-bound Berge and new AC Milan addition Youssouf Fofana, many felt Ugarte was the one they needed to sign. 

With that, United are believed to be closing in on the signing of the 23-year-old, with the former Sporting CP man set to join on loan with an obligation to buy next summer. While there are concerns over his overall distribution, notably the desire to play the ball safe instead of taking riskier passes to advance the play, Ugarte is a solid ball-winning signing that'll help get the number of shots per game United conceded last season down. 

Crucially, though, is that Ugarte should prove the upgrade on Casemiro that United so desperately need. Having starred in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, the Brazilian struggled in the middle of the park for Erik ten Hag's side last season, evident in that no player was dribbled past more times per game than Casemiro (2.2) in England's top tier last term. A tackle success rate of 60.1% for a player once deemed the best in his position was poor. 

Ugarte hardly covered himself in glory during his solitary season in France having been dribbled past 2.1 times per 90 in Ligue 1 last term, this coming for a PSG side that dominated possession in France's top tier. However, he returned a much-improved tackle success rate (68.1%) and was, crucially, far more refined in possession. 

Part of the reason for United's openess was that a number of the players at Ten Hag's disposal struggled to successfully retain possession. This resulted in quick turnovers that opponents were able to exploit. Indeed, Casemiro returned a pass success rate of just 82.6% from 63.7 passes per 90. By comparison, Ugarte found a teammate with 91.6% of his 61.6 passes per 90. PSG's higher possession average meant it was easier for the latter to find a PSG player, but in turn; United should see more of the ball with the more dynamic 23-year-old in the middle of the park. 

Casemiro helped bridge the gap for United in a key area of the pitch but for a team that will look to compete at the highest level once again; they need to improve once more. Ugarte's hard work off the ball combined with his ability to consistenly find a teammate means he's an improvement for a United outfit seeking to challenge rivals Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title.