Manuel Ugarte, one of five significant newcomers at Manchester United this summer, is already being attacked as Erik ten Hag’s recruiting and transfer cost being slammed.
Marco van Basten has slammed Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte following Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham.
The Uruguayan was brought in from PSG in the summer with the intention of toughening up the Red Devils’ midfield, but he was helpless to stop the north Londoners from running wild at Old Trafford. Ugarte barely lasted a year in Paris but was signed with high expectations.
Van Basten, on the other hand, pointed out the player’s shortcomings and criticized Erik ten Hag’s recruitment selections. During his tenure in Manchester, the manager’s performance in the transfer market has been inconsistent at best, with many new signings this summer.
The Netherlands icon said that the Old Trafford hierarchy’s decision to spend so much money on players under Ten Hag’s tenure was “idiotic,” with Ugarte being singled out.
Van Basten told Ziggo Sport: “I saw a new player walking around at Manchester United, Manuel Ugarte, for €50 million (£42.3 million).” How is this person strolling around there? It’s ridiculous how much (Ten Hag) has opted to invest in guys who aren’t even decent.”
Ugarte was on Chelsea’s radar a year ago, and his statistics on midfield tackles showed what he might add to the United squad.
Former Premier League great Robbie Earle expressed pity for the Uruguayan, claiming he had joined a squad that is unsure of its identity. On NBC, he added, “It can be difficult to discern what they’re attempting to achieve at times. I felt sad for Ugarte; he’s come to Manchester United as a big midfielder, he’s going to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo, and there’s pandemonium all around him.
Van Basten resumed his onslaught on Manchester, who had only seven points from their first six games of the season. The Dutchman noted that their number of excellent players is limited, and he targeted certain people.
He went on, “Can you name one of Manchester United’s best players? Every club has a top player. Marcus Rashford is pretty terrible. Bruno Fernandes is a terrific player, and (Andre) Onana is a good goalie. That is it. Casemiro is finished. Alejandro Garnacho is a decent player. But no one carries that team.
