Manchester United prioritizes new strikers as Ruben Amorim’s signature for next summer, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesco being designated as the top target. However, Sunday’s preseason tour match against Everton reaffirmed that the Red Devils would be better if they focused on strengthening the midfield instead.
Supporters shared optimism about Manuel Ugarte after an impressive exhibit in the opening Premier League summer series victory over West Ham United. Amorim paired him with Cobby Mine again to face Toffee, but he was on the receiver of similar criticism at the Atlanta Conference as last season.
United boasted a wealth of technical quality in most games. Brian Mbemo made his debut and started with Mateus Cunha, Bruno Fernandez, Amado and Maine.
However, Ugarte seemed unable to keep up with the tempo his teammates were trying to maintain.
The 24-year-old repeatedly lost possession under pressure and was negligent in the accumulation of Everton’s first half equalizers.
For Amorim’s system to succeed in the Premier League, they can’t afford a team straggler, but Ugarte simply looks out of place.
You can make the most dynamic attack possible, but if the midfield is out of sync and you’re loading up mistakes, it’s hardly counted.
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The need for United’s energetic midfielder to partner with Bruno Fernandez was apparent throughout the summer.
The 30-year-old began to move further against Everton, but once Mbeumo speeds up, he’ll make his permanent tenant even deeper.
Ugarte appears unable to take on defensive responsibility to ensure Fernandez moves forward and continues to achieve his goals.
If United signs Sesco, they will need to beat Newcastle United to his signature and commit over £70 million to lure him to Old Trafford.
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If there’s no room for more than the striker, Amorim will have to pivot and concentrate those funds into his engine room.
Ineos may be reluctant to lose his faith in Ugarte more than a year after throwing £50 million to sign him from Paris Saint-Germain.
But they have already proven their willingness to make tough decisions, so they don’t snowball the mistakes on the bigger ones. Ask Dan Ashworth.
Not having the same attitude as Ugarte’s status may be the latest hiccup to slow down Amorim’s project.
