Ruben Amorim Backs Manuel Ugarte

In a recent show of support, Ruben Amorim has come out backing Manuel Ugarte as the talented midfielder prepares for a fresh start with Manchester United. Ugarte, who caught the eye during his time at Sporting Lisbon under Amorim, made a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. However, he faced challenges adjusting to life in France, prompting United to offer him a lifeline this past August. Despite a rocky beginning due to a lack of proper pre-season training, Ugarte is starting to find his feet in the Premier League.

Ugarte's Performance at Manchester United

Following Manchester United's commanding victory over Leicester City, Ugarte has now secured a spot in the starting lineup for two consecutive Premier League matches—a feat he struggled to achieve during Erik ten Hag's tenure. His performance in Thursday's Europa League clash against PAOK saw him play over an hour, thanks to interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy’s decision to provide him with valuable playing time amid injuries to teammates, notably Kobbie Mainoo.

Amorim's Praise for Ugarte

Expressing pride and confidence, Amorim praised Ugarte's potential, stating, "All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible, and that's why I love them. Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow. I am very happy to know that I have him back at Manchester United."

The Legacy of Uruguayan Talent at Sporting Lisbon

Ugarte is not the only Uruguayan talent to flourish at Sporting Lisbon, as the club has become a breeding ground for stars from the South American nation. Goalkeeper Franco Israel, left-back Maxi Araujo, who recently scored in a Champions League triumph over Manchester City, and Sebastian Coates, who captained the team to Primeira Liga glory last season, are all shining examples of the club's investment in Uruguayan talent.

Ugarte Reflects on His Transition

Reflecting on his transition to Manchester United, Ugarte acknowledged the influence of Amorim, noting, "I saw that Sporting fans were upset with the coach's departure, and that’s understandable because he is a great coach." He emphasizes the importance of quickly integrating Amorim’s tactical ideas into the squad, believing it will lead to a more dynamic playing environment. "It’s a big challenge for him, but we know he has the ability," he remarked.

United's Recent Success

United recently enjoyed a convincing win against Leicester, with Bruno Fernandes continuing his scoring streak and contributing significantly to the team’s success, alongside goals from Viktor Kristiansen and Alejandro Garnacho. Ruud van Nistelrooy commented on the squad's performance, stating, "It was important three points. Bruno has been instrumental, scoring and assisting."

The Future for Ugarte and United

As Ugarte settles into his new role, football fans worldwide are left wondering: Can he truly thrive under Ruben Amorim’s guidance? Only time will tell if this exciting partnership will blossom into success for both the player and Manchester United. Stay tuned for more developments in this burgeoning story!