Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has singled out midfielder Manuel Ugarte as a major disappointment and challenged new interim manager Michael Carrick to finally unlock the Uruguayan's potential at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand's Frank Assessment of Ugarte's Struggles
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents show, the former United defender did not hold back in his criticism of the £50 million summer 2024 signing from Paris Saint-Germain. Ugarte arrived with a reputation as a tenacious, ball-winning midfielder, but Ferdinand admits he has yet to see that player in a red shirt.
'I've got to be honest, I have been disappointed with Ugarte,' Ferdinand stated. 'He is one player when he came in everybody said he's got legs, he can tackle, he can move. The description I was getting was he was the right type of player we needed. It just hasn't materialised.'
Ferdinand elaborated that the 24-year-old's supposed aggression and ability to dominate the midfield have been conspicuously absent. 'He hasn't put a marker down in a game that's made me think "this guy could be one of our midfield dogs",' he added.
A New Chance Under Carrick's Leadership
The sacking of Ruben Amorim and the subsequent appointment of club icon Michael Carrick on an interim basis presents a fresh start for several underperforming players, with Ugarte chief among them. Ferdinand believes extracting more from individuals like the Uruguayan is a key test for the new boss.
'Can Michael Carrick get any more out of him? That is going to be a big challenge,' Ferdinand said. 'He's got to get both of those bits better, the team better and the individual players playing to a high level. How he goes about that will be the acid test.'
This critique follows public comments from Ugarte's former manager, Amorim, who noted the player had 'struggled' this season even before his own departure from United.
Exit Links and Scathing Verdict from Another Legend
The pressure on Ugarte is intensifying, with reports linking him with a January move to Turkish side Galatasaray. Furthermore, another former United midfielder, Nicky Butt, delivered an even harsher verdict, suggesting the club should cut its losses.
'Ugarte is not a Manchester United midfielder in a million years,' Butt declared. 'That's just one example of the recruitment and how they keep getting it wrong. They keep getting it wrong all the time with the players they're bringing in and that's a fact.'
Meanwhile, United are reportedly looking to bolster their midfield options and are interested in bringing former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves back to the Premier League in a deal worth around £20 million.
All eyes will now be on Carrick's first team selections and tactical setup to see if he can indeed coax the form from Ugarte that once made him one of Europe's most sought-after defensive midfielders.
