Unwarranted Criticism: Manuel Ugarte in the firing line after Manchester United slip up vs Twente

Manuel Ugarte looked dejected as he left the field after Manchester United's 1-1 draw against FC Twente in the UEFA Europa League (September 25). It was a disconcerting night for the Red Devils who are struggling to see out wins.

The Uruguay international arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer in a deal worth up to £50.5 million. He made his second start as a Red and displayed his defensive nous, winning five of eight ground duels, making two interceptions and two clearances.

Ugarte nearly prevented Twente's equalizer when he slid in to and regained possession only for Christian Eriksen to get caught dwelling too long on the ball. Sam Lammers capitalized and dumbfounded Andre Onana by firing in at his near post.

There was dissapointment on all of United players' faces as they once again dropped points after a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in the league. Much is being said about Ugarte's showing but the defensive midfielder doesn't deserve the backlash he's receiving from an impatient Old Trafford faithful.

"It wasn't a great game" - Manuel Ugarte's honest assessment of Manchester United's draw against Twente

Manuel Ugarte took to X/Twitter after the Red Devils' draw at home to the Dutch outfit and made clear his frustrations with his own performance. He wrote:

""The first to criticize himself. It wasn't a great game on a personal level. We have to keep working.""

Manuel Ugarte on X

Ugarte should be the profile of midfielder that United fans get behind, a passionate personality who plays for the badge. We saw this when he tried getting the Reds to push forward on the attack and he slid in to win a corner. A small detail but telling of his enthusiastic character and one fans should be giving time.

When details of the club's deal for Ugarte came to light, fans immediately responded negatively. They were unimpressed with the fee, not considering just how impactful the signing could be. This is a young ball-winning midfielder who finished with the most tackles in the 2022/23 Primera Liga (98) and 23-24 Ligue 1 (121).

"I'm sure he will contribute to our level" - Ten Hag urged Manchester United fans to be patient with Ugarte

Ten Hag inadvertently foreshadowed Manchester United fans' impatience with Ugarte when explaining his integration plan at Old Trafford. The Dutch coach alluded to his lack of minutes for PSG before joining the club (via Premier League's official website):

""If you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn't play so far in the season. Not one match minute and so he needs to build his fitness state and then we have to build them in the team and then I'm sure he will contribute to our level.""

Erik ten Hag

This analysis of Ugarte should have made fans aware of the need to give him time to adapt to life at Old Trafford. He needs a consistent run in the team alongside Kobbie Mainoo who will most definitely benefit from partnering the aggressive and relentless Uruguayan.

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