Manchester United is well aware that in the crazy world of player trades, there is seldom a deal that is completely risk-free.
However, historical data indicates that the Iberian market offers a wealth of value when it comes to recruiting excellent young players from the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Bruno Fernandes is, of course, the first name that springs to mind. Undoubtedly the most lucrative acquisition in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson period. And Cristiano Ronaldo, a long time ago.
After following in Fernandes’ footsteps at Sporting Lisbon, Manuel Ugarte is “emotionally” prepared to play at Old Trafford following a stint at Paris Saint-Germain. Manchester United is hopeful that Ugarte can be just as successful at £42 million.
But it’s not just United that has had great success while purchasing in Portugal.
Manuel Ugarte is available for Manchester United.
In his debut season at Manchester City, former Benfica titan Ruben Dias took home the Premier League Player of the Year trophy.
At Liverpool, Luis Diaz has been a big success. Vitinha and former United target Joao Neves, on the other hand, are the technical foundation of Paris Saint-Germain’s revamped midfield.
Then, to mention just three more, there is Joao Palhinha, Nuno Mendes, and Raul Jimenez. After scoring 43 goals in a season in Lisbon, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres—who has been linked to Manchester United—is most likely the next big-name player to leave the Primeira Liga.
Ruben Amorim, the sporting coach, is aware that Gyokeres’ time in the green and white stripes is limited. After all, Portugal’s top division is essentially a B-list league that consistently turns out A-list football players.
Amorim believes that instead of playing at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s new number 25 Ugarte would still be clanging into opponent midfielders if Sporting were competing in a more prestigious league.
“A lot of guys aspire to take the risk. Amorim tells CNN Portugal, “It doesn’t mean they don’t love being here or like Sporting.”
Ugarte would be here, I promise, if we were in a different league.
Erik ten Hag getting ready for the Southampton match.
Man United has long admired Ugarte, who is rumored to be their top summer midfield target, dating back to his Sporting days.
The battleaxe that won the ball lived in Portugal for two years, from 2021 to 2023. Under Amorim, he helped Sporting get past Palhinha when the player left for Fulham and won the Taca da Liga.
Ugarte, who downplayed fitness worries after two strong performances for Uruguay during this month’s World Cup qualifiers, may make his Manchester United debut on Saturday lunchtime away to Southampton.
Whether Erik ten Hag decides to start Ugarte right away is still to be seen. After Casemiro’s horrific match against Liverpool, the Dutchman could be reluctant to start him again, but Toby Collyer, who looks a lot like Kante, is an alternative who impressed last time out coming off the bench.
During his Thursday news conference, Ten Hag stated, “Manuel Ugarte—you will have seen he played for Uruguay—he returned this afternoon,” as you can see on YouTube thanks to Sky Info. The only player back today was him.
“He is available for the Southampton match today.”
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