Erik ten Hag details what Manuel Ugarte will bring to Manchester United
Manuel Ugarte joined Manchester United from PSG on Friday
Erik ten Hag is confident that Manuel Ugarte will bring the “controlled aggression” Manchester United has been missing after the midfielder completed his move to Old Trafford.
United secured the signing of the Uruguayan international on deadline day evening, agreeing to a five-year deal with an option for a sixth year.
Ugarte joins the club from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth an initial €50 million (£42.3 million), with an additional €10 million (£8.5 million) potentially due in add-ons.
At 23 years old, Ugarte was United’s top midfield target throughout the transfer window.
The club exercised patience to secure his signature, opting not to meet PSG’s initial €60 million (£50.6 million) demand.
The former Sporting Lisbon player is expected to step into the role of midfield anchor, potentially replacing Casemiro.
Ugarte is set to form a key part of United’s first-choice midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
For Erik ten Hag, Ugarte represents the essential trait that the team has been lacking in the engine room.
“I think he is a very good fit to Manchester United,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports prior to the deal being officially confirmed.
“I think he is a very good fit to this team because this team needs that controlled aggression.
“He is a very brave player, so we will be really happy.
“I am sure he will really contribute to our success.”
Ugarte, who made 37 appearances during his first and only season in the French capital, was not registered in time to be available for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The deadline for new signings to be eligible for this weekend’s fixtures was 12 p.m. on Friday.
As a result, he is expected to make his debut for United in their match against Southampton following the international break on September 14.
Uruguay has three scheduled fixtures during the break, and Ugarte is likely to be included in Marcelo Bielsa’s plans for the national team.
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