9/13 ground duels, 8 recoveries: £42m Man Utd star delivers dazzling display vs Leeds, Amorim "really pleased"
Manchester United shared the spoils against Leeds United in the Premier League at Elland Road.
The Red Devils went winless for the second game running, but there were positives to carry forward.
Matheus Cunha was back on the scoresheet for United, while Joshua Zirkzee produced one of his best performances of the league campaign, coming off the bench.
Manuel Ugarte had a good outing in the heart of the midfield. He won nine out of 13 ground duels, while making eight recoveries, three tackles and two interceptions.
The Uruguayan was previously told by manager Ruben Amorim to improve his performance and consistency in training.
He certainly made a good impression against the Whites yesterday. Shortly after the game, Amorim said that he was ‘really pleased‘ with the midfielder’s overall display.
Ugarte has been a regular starter alongside Casemiro in the centre of the park in recent matches due to the injury absence of Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo.
Fernandes and Mount are poised to return against Burnley. Amorim has hinted that the duo could get some minutes versus the Clarets at Turf Moor on Wednesday.
Ugarte, who was signed for an initial £42 million from Paris Saint-Germain, is likely to continue in the starting XI in midweek. The onus is on him to deliver another dazzling performance to get the nod for the number six position in the long run.
Casemiro and Fernandes are Amorim’s trusted pairing when fit and available. Ugarte has an opportunity to displace the former, who does not possess the same work rate as him.
United are presently three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, and only goal difference separates them from Chelsea in fifth.
The Red Devils can temporarily move to fourth with a victory at Turf Moor if Chelsea fail to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .