Manuel Ugarte, who recently signed for Manchester United, participated in the first game of the new season for Uruguay, playing 79 minutes in the team’s 0-0 World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay.
The Copa America third-place team had 11 shots to the visiting team’s eight, and they had 66% of the ball, but they were unable to convert their advantage.
La Celeste, four points behind leaders Argentina in the league standings, is still in second position after the draw.
In a 4-3-3 formation, Ugarte began the game with Federico Valverde and Brian Rodriquez at the base of a three-man midfield.
With many duels and blocking of passing channels, United’s new €60 million player displayed his usual aggressive midfield style.
Sofascore awarded him a score of 7.3 for his performance.
In a week, the midfield player hopes to recover from his injury long enough to start, or at least contribute significantly, against Southampton. He spent most of the game playing.
Ugarte completed 52 of his 60 passes, or 87% of the total, during his 85 touches with the ball.
The Uruguayan’s on-the-ball abilities have been criticised the most, so supporters will be happy that he kept things straightforward and the ball moving in the middle area.
In addition, he made a crucial pass that nearly resulted in a goal for his team.
In addition to thrilling United fans, Ugarte demonstrated his passing range by completing eight of his twelve long passes. Pacy forwards Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are two examples of United players who enjoy running in behind from precise long passes, which are typically given by Bruno Fernandes.
However, the general of midfield performed admirably in his defensive duties as usual.
He engaged in an astounding 12 ground fights, winning nine of them for a 75% success rate.
The Old Trafford audience will be thrilled to see United’s newest addition win the ball cleanly in the 40th minute of play while Enciso of Paraguay was running with it. Out of nowhere, he flew into a tackle.
Not much was able to get past Ugarte that evening, as he also prevailed in three of his four aerial duels.
Along with his five tackles, three clearances, and one interception, he helped his team maintain a crucial clean sheet.
When his country visits Venezuela on Tuesday night, the man from the United States will be hoping for more noteworthy minutes.
