Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan midfielder who had previously struggled to secure a regular spot at Manchester United, is reportedly eager to seize the opportunity to reestablish himself in the squad. The arrival of interim manager Michael Carrick has provided a fresh source of motivation for the young talent, who is determined to prove his worth in the second half of the 2025/2026 season.
Ugarte has expressed admiration for Carrick’s calm and composed approach to managing the team, particularly in the midfield. The caretaker manager’s tactical awareness and ability to maintain team cohesion have inspired the Uruguay international to embrace a renewed focus and develop a productive working relationship with Carrick. With this fresh mindset, Ugarte is committed to demonstrating that he can be a crucial contributor for Manchester United as they navigate a challenging stretch of fixtures.
One factor that has reinforced Ugarte’s resolve to stay and fight for his place is the club’s evident confidence in his potential. Reports indicate that Manchester United rejected transfer offers from Galatasaray and Ajax for the midfielder, signaling that the Red Devils still value him highly. This decision has been interpreted as a clear indication that Ugarte remains an asset to the squad, further fueling his determination to prove his capabilities at Old Trafford.
Limited Opportunities Yet Unyielding Determination
Since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024 for a transfer fee of €50 million, equivalent to approximately 987 billion Indonesian Rupiah, Ugarte has faced challenges in securing consistent playing time. During the current season, he has only started seven Premier League matches, a statistic that reflects his struggle to find a foothold in the starting eleven.
Even with Carrick taking charge as interim manager, Ugarte was initially limited to substitute appearances, including a high-profile victory over local rivals Manchester City on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Despite these limited opportunities, the midfielder has remained focused and resolute, rejecting the idea of moving to another club. Instead, he is concentrating on proving that he can play a key role in United’s tactical setup, particularly under the guidance of Carrick.
Ugarte’s contract with Manchester United runs until June 2029, giving both the club and the player ample time to develop a long-term plan. This stability provides a strong foundation for Ugarte to rebuild his confidence and cement his place in the squad, potentially emerging as a central figure in the midfield for the foreseeable future.
Manchester United’s Midfield Strategy
In recent weeks, Manchester United has been linked with several potential midfield additions, primarily through loan deals. Ruben Neves of Al-Hilal has been frequently mentioned as a target, alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek, currently at AC Milan, and Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas. These discussions highlight the club’s ongoing focus on strengthening their midfield options, even as Ugarte seeks to reassert himself within the team.
However, some analysts have questioned the necessity of these potential signings. Journalist Dean Jones, writing for TEAMtalk, suggested that pursuing additional midfielders may be unnecessary given Manchester United’s current squad composition and their focus solely on Premier League competitions. Jones emphasized that the decision to pursue temporary reinforcements might stem from discussions with Michael Carrick, but in a restructured midfield formation, United arguably do not require additional support.
“This idea of bringing in a loan midfielder is under consideration, but it seems somewhat unusual,” Jones commented. “Given that the team is competing primarily in the Premier League, adding another central player may not be essential, particularly as Carrick adjusts the midfield structure and defines clear roles for the existing squad members.”
Rebuilding Momentum
For Manuel Ugarte, the path forward revolves around maximizing his current opportunities. The midfielder has shown glimpses of his technical skills, defensive awareness, and ability to control the tempo in midfield, qualities that Manchester United recognizes as valuable. Carrick’s presence has provided a renewed sense of direction, enabling Ugarte to focus on consistency and influence on the pitch.
While the midfielder’s previous struggles and limited starts could have been discouraging, his resilience and professional attitude suggest a player determined to capitalize on a turning point in his career. By embracing Carrick’s guidance, Ugarte aims to demonstrate that he is capable of anchoring United’s midfield and contributing decisively in crucial matches.
The coming months will serve as a critical period for both Ugarte and Manchester United. As the team navigates a congested fixture schedule, the midfielder’s ability to perform consistently and integrate seamlessly into the starting lineup could have a significant impact on United’s performance in the Premier League. With his long-term contract and the club’s evident faith in his potential, Manuel Ugarte appears poised to seize this opportunity and cement his status as a vital component of Manchester United’s midfield for years to come.
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