Samuel Luckhurst has identified the areas in which Manuel Ugarte is facing challenges at Manchester United, following a lackluster performance in a 2-0 loss to West Ham United at Old Trafford.
Ugarte carelessly surrendered possession leading to the visitors’ second goal and did not make an effort to regain the ball. Ruben Amorim substituted him shortly thereafter as the Red Devils experienced their 17th defeat in the Premier League.
The Uruguayan midfielder joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain last summer on transfer deadline day for £50 million. Many anticipated that the 24-year-old would play a pivotal role under Amorim after his former Sporting CP manager took over from Erik ten Hag in November.
Luckurst: Man Utd’s Ugarte “Can’t Cope” With Domestic Football
Manchester United’s disappointing season could potentially be redeemed by securing the UEFA Europa League title, although Amorim has emphasized that this alone will not suffice. If his team triumphs over Tottenham Hotspur on May 21, they will earn a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, which is a significant factor in attracting players to Old Trafford this summer.
Ugarte may soon find himself under scrutiny regarding the investment the Red Devils made in him. He has had difficulty making an impact at the Parc des Princes, yet Amorim previously maximized his potential at Sporting CP.
Luckhurst has criticized him for Jarrod Bowen’s goal during the loss to West Ham, suggesting that he is more suited for European competition than the rigors of the Premier League. The English journalist expressed this opinion on his X account:
“(Aaron) Wan-Bissaka robbing Ugarte of the ball there is the difference between Premier League and Europa League in a microcosm for (Man United). Ugarte can cope in Europe but often can’t cope in domestic games.”
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