Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has expressed his enjoyment of his time in England, despite the challenges the club is facing on the field.
Ugarte made the move to United during the summer transfer window from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal valued at approximately £42 million, which could increase to £50.5 million based on performance-related incentives.
This season, he has emerged as a vital player for the team, accumulating 32 appearances across all competitions. Recently, he marked his first goal for United by scoring the equalizer in the 2-2 draw against Everton last month.
His role and significance within the squad have notably improved under Ruben Amorim, with whom he has a prior working relationship from their time at Sporting CP.
Currently, United finds itself in 14th place in the Premier League, having secured only 33 points from a possible 81. Since taking charge, Amorim has led the team to just five victories in the league, suffering eight defeats.
In anticipation of United’s Europa League match against Real Sociedad, Ugarte spoke with El Espectador Deportes’ Convocados [via ESPN Deportes], reflecting on his inaugural season at Old Trafford.
When asked if this period with the Red Devils is the most fulfilling since his arrival, the Uruguayan replied, “I don’t know if it is the best moment, but I feel good, confident, and I am playing. I have more freedom to get into the box now.”
“I am enjoying it on a personal level, although on a collective level it is not the best moment, but we have to keep working.”
He said about English football, “Any competition is very important here, it is lived much more. Every weekend, if you win you are up there and, if you lose, down there. The player has to learn to deal with that.”
“This season has not been the best, we all know that. The focus has to be on Thursday, the Europa League is the competition. I’m not saying we are obliged to, but it would be nice to win it. We are all thinking about that match.”
Ugarte expressed his thoughts on the privilege of being associated with a club of Manchester United’s magnitude, stating, “It is a dream, especially considering the limited number of Uruguayan players who have competed in the Premier League and for United. As a child, I would eagerly wake up to watch Premier League matches on television; they are the most thrilling games globally, and experiencing it firsthand is truly remarkable.”
He further shared with visitors, “When they visit Old Trafford, they will realize it is unlike anything they have encountered before. It possesses a unique quality that makes it incredibly captivating, which is why I believe it is the finest league in the world. It is truly impressive.”
Reflecting on his inaugural goal for the 20-time English champions, the 23-year-old noted, “These are memories I will cherish. They motivate me to pursue such achievements. At times, I find myself hesitant to take risks, but this experience serves as validation and boosts my confidence to aim for a goal in every match.”