There was a lot of optimism when United officially confirmed that Ruben Amorim would be their new head coach to replace Erik’s eleven partners last year.
The Portuguese head coach just won the league with Sporting and arrived at Old Trafford with an exciting young manager and has a new system for fans to get used to.
His arrival also prompted supporters to doubt whether he hopes to reunite with prolific center Viktor Gyokeres to strengthen club options at the top of the court.
United reportedly did come into contact with Sporting with a potential deal to sign Sweden earlier this summer, just to get him to Arsenal.
While the Red Devils were unable to reunite with Amorim with Gyokerers this summer, the Portuguese head coach has already had the opportunity to work with a former sports star he has at Manuel Ugarte.
United signed Uruguay International from Paris Saint-Germain last summer before Amorim arrived, with an initial fee of £42 million, and he has not proved his worth.
Why Manchester United May Need to Replace Manuel Ugat
The Red Devils may need to find a replacement for Ugath before the end of the summer transfer window, as he hasn’t proven himself a reliable option in the middle of the park.
He is known as the midfield destroyer and swept before defense. However, he won only 53% of the duels in the Premier League, dribbling 1.3 times in each match in the division. Average per game will only dribble more with Bruno Fernandes (1.4).
This shows that last season, there was no very effective screen provided in front of the top-level defense, as opposition players found too much fun as they ran past him, revealing the backline.
On top of that, the 24-year-old defensive midfielder has insufficient defensive skills in the middle of the park because he does not threaten the ball to attack or progress and therefore does not provide quality.
|
24/25 PL |
Ugarte |
Ranking and midfield |
|---|---|---|
|
Unexpected targets |
0.05 |
Bottom 41% |
|
xag |
0.06 |
Bottom 30% |
|
Shooting action |
1.56 |
Bottom 16% |
|
Pass for progress |
3.08 |
Bottom 18% |
|
Progressive carrying |
0.81 |
Bottom 23% |
|
Enter the last third |
2.96 |
Bottom 36% |
|
Enter the free throw area |
0.45 |
Minimum 20% |
|
Statistics via FBREF |
||
As you can see in the table above, Ugath is the worst performance in the midfield Premier League when it comes to improving through passing and passing goals.
These statistics show that the former sports star is not a reliable operator for Amorim because he is defensive and possesses.
However, United can make a lot of upgrades in Ugarte, as they are reportedly interested in signing another midfielder with a Premier League rival.
Man Utd holds talks with midfielder star agent
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United is in conversation with agents of Brighton and Hove Albion defensive midfielder Carlos Baleba.
However, he added that a deal is complex and no progress has been made at this time, which does not mean that it will be transferred at any time any time soon.
“United States still keeps in touch with Carlos Baleba’s agents, and the contact is still in progress, but for the moment, they still think the deal is really complicated and difficult, so there is no specific progress yet.
“At present, Manchester United has taken steps and this week has begun the approach of people who are close to players, trying to understand the situation and keep in touch with players’ agents, so don’t leave the conversation right away.”
Givemesport added that Brighton will look for Moises Caicedo’s expenses in the £115 million they earned from Chelsea to let go of Baleba.
This suggests that Manchester United may need to overflow over £100 million, breaking their transfer record to snap up Cameroon International this summer.
Why should Manchester United sign Carlos Baleba
If they can avoid the huge fees that may be required, the Red Devils should strive to reach a deal for Baleba as he will arrive as a big upgrade for Ugath.
Due to his time at Brighton, he has been a proven Premier League performer and will provide more services to the teams in the middle of the park, both as a defender and progressive operator.
Baleba won 55% of his matches last season in 0.9 times per game in top matches, immediately suggesting that the left-footed executor will be more reliable than Ugarte, as opponents find it difficult to make him better.
The clip above also shows the possession of the Brighton star in his arsenal, not just the defensive quality. He scored three goals and created three “big opportunities” in top-tier games, while also providing improved games.
|
24/25 Premier League (per 90) |
Carlos Baleba |
Manuel Ugarte |
|---|---|---|
|
Unexpected targets |
0.10 |
0.05 |
|
Shooting action |
2.23 |
1.56 |
|
Pass for progress |
3.99 |
3.08 |
|
Progressive carrying |
1.45 |
0.81 |
|
Key Pass |
0.71 |
0.50 |
|
Enter the last third |
3.69 |
2.97 |
|
Enter the free throw area |
0.78 |
0.45 |
|
Statistics via FBREF |
||
As you can see in the table above, Manchester United’s goal is better than Ugath in the middle of the park in the Premier League with numerous attacks and possession metrics.
These statistics show that the “excellent” Baleba, known by U23 scout Antonio Mango, will be a big upgrade for the joint failure because of his ability to influence the games he owns and stand out.
From a defensive perspective, this could also be his potential for upgrades, as offensive players find it difficult to dribble or win a duel against the 21-year-old Titans.
Therefore, signing Baleba will improve Manchester United’s team as he is in all stages of the game than Ugarte’s current stages, and he will provide more teams on the side.
