Erik ten Hag, the current manager of Manchester United, has openly expressed his admiration for the Uruguayan midfielder, Manu Ugarte. In a recent statement, ten Hag shared that his interest in Ugarte dates back to the player’s performances with Uruguay and his time at Sporting CP, where ten Hag faced him during Ajax’s encounters with Sporting. Ten Hag’s scouting department had also identified Ugarte as a potential fit for Manchester United. Ugarte’s transfer journey has seen him move from Sporting CP to Paris Saint-Germain before joining Manchester United for a reported fee of €50 million in 2024. This strategic acquisition aligns with ten Hag’s vision of building a robust and dynamic team at Old Trafford.
- Erik ten Hag has long admired Manu Ugarte’s performances.
- Ugarte’s transfer to Manchester United was for a reported fee of €50 million in 2024.
- Ten Hag’s scouting department identified Ugarte as a potential fit for the team.
Manu Ugarte’s Career and Skills
Manu Ugarte, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, has developed a reputation for his defensive prowess and ball distribution skills. His career began at Fénix in Uruguay, followed by successful stints at Famalicão and Sporting CP in Portugal, where he made 56 league appearances. His performances caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, leading to a transfer in July 2023. Ugarte’s arrival at Manchester United is part of ten Hag’s broader strategy to enhance the squad’s midfield capabilities.
🔴🇺🇾 Ten Hag: “I had Manu Ugarte in my mind. The scouting department had him in their mind, and we followed him”.
“When he played for Uruguay and Paris, I had him in my mind… I faced him with Ajax vs Sporting”.
“We judged that he would be a really good fit for our team”. https://t.co/yCItNdmYOw
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 11, 2023
Known for his tactical acumen, ten Hag has a history of developing young talents and implementing an attacking style of play, as seen during his successful tenure at Ajax. This approach has been complemented by leveraging insights from former Manchester United legends, emphasizing the club’s rich heritage and strategic rebuilding efforts.
Erik ten Hag’s Impact at Manchester United
Since joining Manchester United in 2022, Erik ten Hag has focused on revitalizing the team, drawing from his extensive managerial experience, including his successful spell at Ajax. Under his leadership, Manchester United has seen a notable win percentage, underscoring his impact on the club’s performance. Ten Hag’s ability to integrate new talents like Ugarte into the squad reflects his commitment to strengthening the team’s core.
This approach not only aims to improve Manchester United’s standing in the Premier League but also seeks to restore the club’s competitive edge in European competitions.
For more on Manchester United’s current squad and performance, click here.
Insights into Ten Hag’s Managerial Achievements
For insights into ten Hag’s previous managerial achievements with Ajax, visit this page. Additionally, learn more about Sporting CP, Ugarte’s former club, here.
