One of Erik ten Hag’s acquisitions at Manchester United has been described as a “wet blanket” by Craig Burley, who suggested placing them “with the kids”.
Ten Hag approved several transfers that have not been successful, with Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, and Tyrell Malacia among the signings that have underperformed.
Manuel Ugarte serves as another notable example of a player Ten Hag brought in for a significant fee, only to ultimately fall short in terms of his performances.
Ugarte transferred from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for an initial fee of €50 million, with Manchester United potentially liable for an additional €10 million based on performance-related incentives.
Manchester United has been in dire need of a competent defensive midfielder; however, Ugarte has yet to make a mark, and Casemiro – who also faces criticism – has been favored by Ruben Amorim.
Recently, former Scotland international Craig Burley criticized Ugarte, stating that he contributes “absolutely nothing” to Amorim, labeling the Uruguayan international as “a wet blanket”.
Burley remarked on ESPN: “Manuel Ugarte is just absolutely nothing. He’s just like a wet blanket.
“Put him in with the kids and even the kids would be going, ‘Who the hell is this guy?’ Seriously.”
Manchester United legend Gary Neville recently asserted that he doubts Amorim has much faith in Ugarte, but acknowledged that the Red Devils manager must take action to address the midfield situation.
Neville said on The Overlap: “I can’t help thinking that he [Ruben Amorim] doesn’t quite fancy him.
“He’s never really put him it from the beginning. He’s gone with Casemiro and Fernandes but Amorim needs to sort the midfield out.
“You can’t have that midfield. They’ve tried Mount, Fernandes, Ugarte, Casemiro but he’s changing a lot every game.”
Neville’s former Man Utd team-mate Roy Keane doesn’t believe Ugarte warrants a place in the team but reckons Mason Mount has become an Amorim favourite.
Keane added: “Ugarte, for me, absolutely not. Mason Mount, to be fair, has done well the first two games but I’m not sure where he fits in.
“I think Ruben Amorim really likes Mount.”
Keane then continued: “Do you honestly think Mount’s going to get United back? I know Amorim likes him but that worries me. For me that’s a worry.”
Man Utd made enquiries over a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba over the summer transfer window but the Seagulls are demanding a British-record fee for the Cameroon international.
Reports recently have indicated that Man Utd have made him their next big target after spending around £200m on their forward line over the summer months.
Leave a Reply