Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has expressed his belief that summer signing Manuel Ugarte could address several challenges facing the club this season.
United acquired the Uruguayan midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain in the final moments of the summer transfer window, paying an initial fee of £42 million, with the potential for an additional £8.5 million in future add-ons. Ugarte has made a strong impression, starting three of his five appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side this season.
In an interview with Tribal Football, Silvestre, a former France international, hailed Ugarte as a significant addition to the squad. He emphasized the importance of giving Ugarte sufficient playing time to maximize his potential.
“I think Ugarte is a great signing. He probably cost United more than he should have, but that happens in football,” Silvestre stated. “Manuel needs a strong partner next to him for him to perform to the best of his ability, and he’ll need consistent game time.”
He pointed out that Ugarte’s skills would have been particularly beneficial in the recent 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, a match characterized by compact play that suits Ugarte’s strengths. “He loves to battle,” Silvestre added.
Silvestre noted that Manchester United currently struggles with structure and compactness in their midfield, allowing opponents to easily navigate through. He believes Ugarte can help mitigate this issue, although he acknowledges that the midfielder cannot resolve all of the team’s problems alone. “However, I predict him to be a great asset for United,” he concluded.
