Manchester United latest signing, Manuel Ugarte, has sparked mixed emotions within the club’s fanbase. The £51 million deal to bring the Uruguayan from Paris Saint-Germain signifies a bold move by the Red Devils. However, it also highlights a missed opportunity to fulfill a young player’s dream.
Kobbie Mainoo’s Dream Midfield Partner
Kobbie Mainoo, United’s rising star, recently expressed his ideal midfield partnership. In a fan Q&A on the club’s website, Mainoo revealed his admiration for club legend Paul Scholes. “I’d say Paul Scholes,” Mainoo declared, with a sense of admiration that any United fan would understand. He praised Scholes for his passing, movement, and intelligence, traits that he wished to experience on the pitch alongside the legend.
Mainoo’s vision of a dynamic, ball-playing midfield duo was clear. Though his hope of playing with Scholes was unattainable, he envisioned a similar partnership with a player of Scholes’ caliber—someone who could match his style and complement Bruno Fernandes.
The Arrival of Manuel Ugarte
Instead, Manchester United’s management has chosen to bolster the team with Manuel Ugarte. The decision seems to pivot away from Mainoo’s creative midfield fantasy towards a more defensive-minded approach. Ugarte, who arrived in England on Tuesday, is expected to step into a role that mirrors Casemiro’s.
The deal was finalized after Scott McTominay’s imminent £25 million transfer to Napoli, which freed up funds for Ugarte’s acquisition. According to The Athletic, United will pay £42 million upfront, with an additional £9 million in performance-related bonuses.
Strategic Shift by Erik ten Hag
Manager Erik ten Hag appears to have a different vision for the midfield. Ugarte’s role will likely involve the gritty, defensive work that allows more attack-minded players, like Mainoo and Fernandes, to flourish. This strategic shift emphasizes the importance of balance in the midfield, though it might leave some fans, and Mainoo himself, yearning for a more creative partner.
A Future for Mainoo?
Mainoo, just 19 years old, is tipped to be a cornerstone of United’s future. While his dream of pairing with a Scholes-like player remains unfulfilled, Ugarte’s arrival offers a different kind of partnership. Mainoo’s talent and versatility could thrive alongside a player who excels at shielding the defense and breaking up opposition play.
The investment of Manchester United in Manuel Ugarte underscores their commitment to building a robust, balanced squad. However, it also raises questions about whether the club might have overlooked an opportunity to create a more dynamic and fluid midfield, one that could have resonated more with the vision of their rising star, Kobbie Mainoo.