Ten Hag Reveals Admiration for Manu Ugarte: "He Was Always in My Mind"
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently opened up about his thoughts on PSG's midfield talent, Manu Ugarte, shedding light on how the Uruguayan midfielder has long been on his radar. In a recent statement, Ten Hag acknowledged that Ugarte was a player both he and Manchester United's scouting department had been tracking for some time.
“I had Manu Ugarte in my mind. The scouting department had him in their mind, and we followed him,” Ten Hag said, adding, “When he played for Uruguay and Paris, I had him in my mind… I faced him with Ajax vs. Sporting.”
This candid admission highlights Ten Hag’s deep appreciation for Ugarte’s abilities, particularly when he encountered him during his time at Ajax. In their face-off against Sporting Lisbon, Ugarte left a lasting impression on Ten Hag, who quickly recognized his potential as a strong candidate for Manchester United’s midfield.
### **Ugarte’s Rising Stock**
Ugarte, a tenacious midfielder with a reputation for his defensive prowess and ability to break up play, has made significant strides in European football since his time at Sporting CP. His performances in both domestic leagues and the Champions League have garnered attention from top clubs across Europe, and his move to Paris Saint-Germain further elevated his status on the international stage.
Ten Hag’s admiration for Ugarte goes beyond just his technical ability. “We judged that he would be a really good fit for our team,” Ten Hag continued, indicating that the midfielder’s profile aligns perfectly with what Manchester United needs—a defensive-minded, combative player capable of shielding the backline and providing balance in midfield.
### **United’s Midfield Conundrum**
The revelation that Ugarte was on United’s radar raises questions about the club’s ongoing search for midfield reinforcements. In recent windows, Manchester United has been linked with several high-profile midfielders to bolster their squad depth. While they have secured key players like Casemiro, the need for a more dynamic, defensively adept midfielder remains apparent, especially given the physical demands of the Premier League.
Ugarte’s style of play, characterized by his relentless work rate and strong tackling ability, would likely have made him a valuable addition to United's squad. His versatility in playing both as a central and defensive midfielder could have provided Ten Hag with the tactical flexibility to adjust to different opponents and formations.
### **Ugarte’s Fit at United**
Had Ugarte joined Manchester United, his skill set would have complemented the existing midfield options. His ability to read the game, disrupt opposition attacks, and quickly transition the ball forward would have added a new dimension to United's midfield. Alongside players like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, Ugarte’s presence could have created a more balanced and defensively solid midfield setup.
Ten Hag’s appreciation for Ugarte’s potential impact on the team underscores his desire to build a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level. With Ugarte now at PSG, it remains to be seen whether United will look for a similar profile in future transfer windows.
### **The Road Ahead for United**
While Ugarte may not be donning the Red Devils' jersey, Ten Hag’s comments reflect his keen eye for talent and his desire to continue strengthening Manchester United’s squad. The manager has been proactive in identifying players who fit his tactical vision, and it’s clear that Ugarte was one of those players.
As United continues to compete on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and Champions League, it will be crucial for them to solidify their midfield options. Whether they pursue a player like Ugarte in the future or explore other midfield targets, Ten Hag’s focus on building a balanced team is evident.
### **Conclusion**
Erik ten Hag’s revelation about Manu Ugarte provides a glimpse into the meticulous scouting and planning that goes into building a team capable of challenging for titles. While Ugarte may not have ended up at Old Trafford, his profile remains a testament to the type of player Ten Hag values—a hardworking, defensively sound midfielder with the ability to enhance the team’s overall structure.
With the January transfer window approaching, Manchester United fans will be eager to see what moves the club makes to further strengthen their squad, especially in the midfield area. Whether or not United pursues a player like Ugarte remains to be seen, but Ten Hag’s admiration for the Uruguayan midfielder suggests that the club is always on the lookout for players who can make a significant impact.
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