Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has reflected on the news that Manuel Ugarte has agreed personal terms with the Reds.
After announcing two major signings this summer, United are set to shift their focus to the midfield department with Manuel Ugarte being a prime target. There is uncertainty surrounding the future of midfield duo Casemiro and Scott McTominay, but the sale of players will help fund more deals such as Ugarte.
United’s next step to sign Ugarte is reaching an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain. At least we now know the Uruguay international, represented by Jorge Mendes, is keen to move from Paris to Manchester.
Saha is a fan of Ugarte and thinks he is the type of player United “really need” to strengthen in midfield.
“It’s only in the Champions League where you get tested as a PSG player and I think that’s where they needed to see him improve,” Saha told Betfred. “He had a lot of players alongside him such as Vitinha, who just exploded, and [Warren] Zaire-Emery, so he found it difficult to impose himself in that midfield, but for Manchester United, he’s that type of player that we really need.”
The biggest tasks for any midfielder United sign is to protect the defence and dictate games. Saha believes Ugarte has the physical and mental capabilities to make it at Old Trafford, but only time will tell.
“He’s very strong and has confidence on the ball. He can go forward with the ball, which is something that Casemiro is less likely to do, and he can provide that quick pass when he recovers the ball, which is very important for the team in transitions. Manchester United didn’t do that last season, we were very slow when trying to create that transition.”
Saha added: “These players are very crucial for teams competing for titles and Rodri is the best in the world in that position currently. He provides so much comfort, but he’s super aggressive when going forward.”
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I really like ugarte’s combative style of play. It will add more guile to the attack of kobbie mainoo & Bruno Fernandes in midfield.