Manchester United have endured a challenging start to the Premier League season, with fans closely monitoring how Ruben Amorim’s squad balances fitness, form, and tactical adjustments.
Injuries and rotations have already forced the Red Devils to adapt their midfield setup.
The upcoming Manchester derby adds extra pressure, with supporters eager to see the squad’s top performers step up, particularly those returning from international duty.
United’s transfer strategy continues to draw attention, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s regime carefully manages wages and incoming players to remain compliant with Profit and Sustainability Rules while boosting competitiveness.
Amid this backdrop, the performance of Red Devils players on international duty remains a talking point, with fans scrutinising who will return in peak form and who might need time to recover before domestic games.
One such player under the microscope is Manuel Ugarte, who had a quiet outing as Uruguay concluded their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0-0 draw against Chile on Wednesday.
The Manchester United midfielder returned to Marcelo Bielsa’s starting XI after being benched for Uruguay’s 3-0 victory over Peru last week but failed to leave a mark, with local media criticising him for an ‘inconsistent’ performance.
Manuel Ugarte featured in a midfield trio alongside Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde and Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur, registering a 90% pass accuracy, winning two of seven duels, committing three fouls, and making five clearances and two interceptions.
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He had 65 touches and completed two of three long passes but struggled to influence the game offensively.
El Observador rated the 24-year-old 5/10, highlighting “inconsistent passes” and a “massive dive” in the first half, noting that he managed only one solid forward break and struggled in the second half despite his mobility and effort.
Ugarte, who won his 32nd cap on Tuesday, has yet to start for United in the Premier League this season, with his only first-team appearance coming in the shock EFL Cup second-round loss to Grimsby Town.
Last term, he made 45 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring twice and providing six assists following his £50.5m move from Paris Saint-Germain.
With United sitting ninth after three league games, all eyes will be on Ugarte as he returns to Old Trafford ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes clash with Manchester City, where he will need to rediscover the form that made him a key signing for the club.
