Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has singled out defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte as a player who continues to surprise him with his impressive quality on the ball.
Scholes, speaking after Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, January 7, highlighted the 22-year-old Uruguay international’s ability to perform at the highest level, noting that Ugarte is more than capable of playing for the Red Devils.
Scholes was particularly impressed with Ugarte’s display during the draw at Anfield, where goals from Lisandro Martinez, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Amad Diallo ensured both teams walked away with a point.
When asked about Ugarte’s place in manager Ruben Amorim’s first-choice XI, Scholes told Premier League Productions, “Yeah, he has to be and I think all them [Casemiro, Eriksen, and Mainoo] are capable of playing with him.”
He went on to add, “I think Mainoo would be the best one once he’s right, once he’s playing and his fitness is better. Partnerships all over the pitch are important, and you look at Manchester United, you don’t really see any partnerships, you don’t see links between players, you don’t see a link between a midfielder and a forward.”
Scholes also praised Ugarte for his ball control, saying, “Ugarte and another one are more than capable of playing for that team. And not just Ugarte for his legs… I even think his quality on the ball, it surprised me a little bit because I did see a bit of him at PSG.”
Ugarte, who joined Manchester United from French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, has continued to impress fans and pundits alike with his all-around ability in midfield.
