There is No Team Like United: Manuel Ugarte’s Journey to Old Trafford
When new signing Manuel Ugarte joined Manchester United, his excitement was palpable. “There is no team like United,” he shared in his recent interview for Inside United, a powerful sentiment that goes straight to the heart of what it means to play for the Reds. Hearing this from a summer signing, especially with Ugarte’s journey, is refreshing and tells of the special aura that United continues to hold for players worldwide.
The interview takes readers through the pivotal moments in Ugarte’s career, beginning with his early years in Uruguay, where he first fell in love with the game. As the youngest player in Uruguay, he made his senior debut at just 15 for Fenix, a milestone that foreshadowed a career destined for greatness. Ugarte’s move to Europe brought its challenges, arriving during the height of the pandemic but quickly finding his way, even forming an unlikely friendship with Kylian Mbappe during his time at PSG.
Reflecting on his arrival at United, Ugarte’s admiration for the club was clear. His words were filled with authenticity, and his body language on the Old Trafford pitch showed just how much he treasures his new home. “It’s incredible,” he said, glancing at the field with an unmistakable sense of awe, recalling the moment his transfer was complete. After weeks of eager anticipation, the midfielder summed up his relief with a simple, heartfelt tweet: “FINALLY!!!!!!!”
Ugarte’s passion for the game runs deep, a fire that can be traced back to his early days in Uruguay. The country’s *Baby Fútbol* program, which fosters a love for the game and instils a competitive drive in kids from an early age, was a fundamental part of his upbringing. Ugarte remembers weekends spent in local parks, competing with his brother as their father watched on. This intense youth training has helped shape a nation of remarkable footballers, and Ugarte is a prime example of that legacy.
Already, Ugarte is a fierce competitor on the pitch, showcasing his skills and gritty mentality in every match. He made his Old Trafford debut against Barnsley back in September, a moment he’ll never forget, and has continued to show tenacity with each game since. His competitiveness and resilience make him a natural fit in the Premier League, and his statistics reflect that. Opta recently highlighted that no player in the league has averaged more tackles per 90 minutes than Ugarte this season. His 5.5 tackles per game underline his commitment to the defensive side of his role and hint at his growing importance within the squad.
Ugarte credits much of his smooth transition to United to his partnership with Brazilian veteran Casemiro. The two midfielders have quickly formed a bond, with Casemiro recently noting their “good connection” after United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City. This camaraderie with a seasoned player like Casemiro is invaluable for Ugarte, who continues to absorb the intense pressures of playing for a club with United’s reputation and expectations.
Ugarte is adjusting to his new environment, knowing that playing for United carries a unique weight. It’s a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly, remarking on how playing for United “carries with it a responsibility, and that is a great thing.” For a player who has already won trophies with both Sporting and PSG, the potential for more silverware with United is a driving force.
At just 23, Ugarte has already achieved so much. He’s come a long way from his debut days in Uruguay, and his journey has led him to one of the world’s most iconic clubs. As he reunites with his former manager Ruben Amorim, who helped develop him at Sporting, Ugarte will be looking to build on his strong start and continue contributing to United’s success.
United fans can look forward to seeing more of Ugarte’s tenacity and skill on the pitch as he makes his mark at Old Trafford. For an even closer look at the passion and resilience that have brought Ugarte to this point, the latest issue of *Inside United* is a must-read.
In Ugarte, United has gained a young player with experience, talent, and an unwavering love for the game — the perfect embodiment of what it means to wear the United shirt.
