Manchester United’s top midfield target this summer is Uruguayan destroyer Manuel Ugarte, now performances at Copa America have been highlighted.
Manuel Ugarte has emerged as Manchester United’s top midfield target this summer, and through his Copa America campaign, he’s showing exactly what he’d bring to Erik ten Hag’s team.
With excellent defensive qualities, Ugarte is what United need alongside Kobbie Mainoo – following a campaign which had some concerning issues with the midfield in a defensive sense.
But now, Ugarte has been classed as Copa America’s best midfielder, which could mean United must move quicker on a deal.
Manuel Ugarte is the best midfielder at Copa America 2024
After a rocky opening campaign in Paris, doubts might’ve been had over United’s desire to sign Ugarte this summer. But with the midfield desperately needing some added steel, there are few options better than the Uruguayan when he’s in form.
Ugarte is currently at Copa America and has played a starring role for Uruguay as they’ve won three out of three so far ahead of a quarterfinal against Brazil on Sunday.
In the tournament, Ugarte has been a shining light in central midfield and now it’s been highlighted that he’s actually been the best midfielder in the tournament thus far.
This is according to WhoScored’s match ratings which places Ugarte top of the pile so far in Copa America amongst midfielders, beating Moises Caicedo and Federico Valverde.
- Manuel Ugarte: 7.77
- Federico Valverde: 7.73
- Moises Caicedo: 7.57
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How good has Ugarte been?
Through the three games thus far, Ugarte has made 18 tackles, six interceptions, five clearances and a block as he plays a key role in Uruguay’s impressive tournament to date.
Last time out in a 1-0 win against the USA, Ugarte was scored 8.08/10 as he dominated the host nation’s midfield and hopes of salvaging something from the tournament.
Uruguayan media have been full of praise for him throughout the tournament and for good reason.
He looks to have refound his form which made him so sought after during the last summer transfer window. But if he continues along these lines, United could find difficulty in securing him for the cheap prices which have been rumoured.
Therefore, Dan Ashworth and co must agree on a deal with PSG sooner rather than later, before they up the price or he attracts further interested parties.