Manuel Ugarte – Skills of the Uruguayan Midfielder

Manuel Ugarte – Skills of the Uruguayan Midfielder

Manuel Ugarte Ribeiro (Spanish pronunciation: [maˈnwɛl uˈɣaɾte]; born 11 April 2001) is a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Primeira Liga club Sporting CP and the Uruguay national team.

Ugarte came through Fénix’s youth academy, being promoted to the first-team in 2016. In December 2021, he joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Famalicão. Following an impressive half-season, Ugarte signed for fellow Primeira Liga side Sporting CP, winning the Taça da Liga in his first season.

Ugarte is a former youth international for Uruguay, representing his country at various youth levels, being part of the team that finished in third place in the 2020 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament. He made his senior international debut in 2021.

Sporting
On 9 August 2021, Ugarte signed a five-year contract with Sporting CP of the same league, for a fee of €6.5 million for half of his economic rights. On 14 August, he made his debut for the club, replacing João Palhinha in the 92nd minute in a 2–1 away win against Braga in the Primeira Liga. Ugarte scored his first goal for Sporting on 2 January 2021, opening the 2–1 home victory over his former club Famalicão. Initially signed as back-up to João Palhinha, following the latter’s injury, Ugarte began having a run as starter, with manager Rúben Amorim entrusting him Palhinha’s place on 3 December in the 3–1 away victory against rivals Benfica in the Derby de Lisboa. His impressive performances and quick adaptation to the team earned him praise from his manager, as he began to play more regularly and threaten Palhinha’s starting position.

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