Add as preferred source on Google
Manuel Ugarte started for Manchester United on Monday night during the disappointing defeat to Leeds, with his involvement raising one serious midfield point.
With Kobbie Mainoo out injured, eyes were rolled across Manchester as Manuel Ugarte was named in his stead, as the Uruguayan is such a massive downgrade.
Manchester United were beaten by Leeds, with Ugarte voted the worst player on the pitch by supporters, with his performance in midfield further justifying his expected summer exit.
Ugarte’s terrible record with United extended, but it also highlighted just how bad the midfield department at Old Trafford truly is.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Was Manuel Ugarte that bad against Leeds, or is he just an easy scapegoat for bigger problems?
Getty Images Manchester United need more than two midfielders this summer
Currently, United have just three senior central midfielders, with two massive liabilities for different reasons. Ugarte isn’t good enough, while Casemiro, goals aside, is physically completely dominated by opponents.
As made clear against Leeds, Mainoo has been papering over Casemiro’s weaknesses, and this summer, the 20-year-old will be the sole midfielder at the club, so the department needs to be rebuilt around him.
But the issue is that Mainoo’s injury record in the past two seasons has shown that he can’t necessarily be relied upon right now to play every game in a 60-game season.
So because of this, Ineos’ planned two midfield signings might not even be enough, as it puts the team in the same situation as this season, which has seen midfield depth exposed despite playing the fewest possible games.
United really needs three new midfielders who are senior and ready to play a substantial role, along with a handful of academy players who can step in.
Mainoo needs a partner, but then United should also have reliable options behind these two who have the qualities to step in.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images Who should be the three Manchester United midfield signings?
Mainoo will almost certainly be a starter next season, but who should be in the department with him?
Carlos Baleba seems a likely arrival for United despite his worrying season at Brighton, as Ineos clearly rates him highly, and he partners perfectly with Mainoo.
But signing Baleba as ‘the guy’ would be a lot of pressure, and so signing someone like Joao Gomes to maybe be the immediate starter and rotate with the Cameroonian while he gets up to speed.
After these two, Mateus Fernandes would be the perfect signing to interchange with Mainoo as the eight or fill in as a more defensive option.
Mainoo, Baleba, Gomes, and Fernandes, with Jacob Devaney and Jim Thwaites supplementing this group puts United in a very strong position.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox