Pundit hails 'excellent' Manchester United player at half-time against PAOK
Manchester United are in Europa League action
Pundit Izzy Christiansen has said Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been ‘excellent’ against PAOK. The Red Devils have started their summer signing in the middle of the park and he has caught the eye.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is taking the clash as he continues to keep impending new boss Ruben Amorim’s seat warm. His side are drawing 0-0 at half-time and haven’t been able to make a breakthrough just yet. They have had 58% possession and four shots, one of which has been on target.
Christiansen has hailed Ugarte’s influence so far and has said on BBC 5 Live: “I do think they look really good at times, Manchester United. I have been impressed with Ugarte. He has come in and done exactly what we thought he would do which is basically be a fire extinguisher in the middle of the park. He has made some excellent forward runs and I think his reading of the game has been excellent.”
Ugarte, who is 23-years-old, was snapped up by United in the last transfer window to bolster their midfield department. He penned a five-year deal with the Premier League side running until June 2029.
The Uruguay international has made 10 appearances for the Red Devils so far in all competitions, five of which have come in the league. As with any player coming in from abroad, it can take time for individuals to adapt to life in a new country.
He started his career in his native country with Fenix before moving over to Europe when Famalicão came calling 2021. Sporting Lisbon then snapped him up as a youngster and he went on to play 85 games for the Portuguese giants in all competitions, chipping in with a single goal.
PSG landed him in June last year and he stayed only one campaign in France. He played 37 matches for the Ligue 1 giants before he was given the green light to head out the exit door for United.
The Red Devils are in action this weekend in the league against Leicester City at home. They are currently sat in 13th position after their 1-1 draw with Chelsea and will want to head into the international break on a high.
Amorim then takes over and will be eager to put his own stamp on things. His first game is an away trip to Portman Road on 24th November against Ipswich Town.