Manuel Ugarte is not the answer for MU to replace Rodri of Man City, but the new signing from PSG will address specific weaknesses of the team at Old Trafford.
With a £50 million deal, MU targeted Ugarte as a key addition this summer. Despite lengthy negotiations, MU remained determined to secure Ugarte to bolster their midfield, particularly with a strong defensive presence.
Last season, MU was frequently criticized for their open style of play. Ten Hag’s midfield struggled with width and was often exploited. Opponents took advantage of the gaps between the advanced midfielders and the deep defense. MU faced 667 shots from opponents, only fewer than the relegated Sheffield United (678).
Opponents of MU executed a total of 620 transitions into the final third, more than any other team allowed. This is why MU pursued Ugarte, who offers better defensive capabilities than Casemiro. Ugarte will bring the aggressiveness and strength Ten Hag feels is lacking in the midfield.
In Ligue 1 last season, Ugarte was the only player to average more than 4 tackles per game (4.6, among those who played at least 900 minutes). His successful tackle rate (2.7) was also the highest in the league.
However, Ugarte is prone to yellow cards due to his aggressive style, something Ten Hag needs to consider.
Additionally, Ugarte averaged 8.4 ball recoveries per game, only behind two other players in Ligue 1 last season. He was also 14th in the league for interceptions (1.9 per game). This isn’t surprising given PSG’s focus on ball control.
MU struggled with crosses from the byline and low, horizontal passes last season. Ugarte is adept at intercepting and defending against such plays.
However, MU fans should not expect Ugarte to organize play like Rodri of Man City. Ugarte is not the rare type of midfielder who can control the game.
This is also why Luis Enrique excluded Ugarte from his plans for the new season. The Uruguayan has been training separately from PSG’s first team in recent weeks. Enrique prefers midfielders who can control the ball and organize play rather than just defensive specialists.
That said, Ugarte is not just a defensive player. He has good technique and is quite skillful and agile with the ball. His passing accuracy rate in Ligue 1 last season was 91.4%, only behind eight players (with at least 1000 passes).
However, the quality of Ugarte’s passes is not high, often lacking in creativity. Only 42 of his 1314 passes progressed into the final third, a rate of 3.2%, the 13th lowest among 155 players with at least 700 passes.
Therefore, Ugarte is not a replacement for Rodri, and Ten Hag does not aim for that. In his two and a half years leading MU, Ten Hag has not shown an intention to adopt a ball-control style like Man City.
MU under Ten Hag appears more dangerous playing counter-attacking football with rapid transitions. However, they are also vulnerable to opponents who play in this manner. Ugarte’s presence at Old Trafford is intended to address this weakness.
The midfielder from PSG will provide defensive solutions for the midfield but will not be a comprehensive upgrade for MU’s style of play. If Ugarte improves the central midfield, it will be a success.