Former Manchester United star and coach Nicky Butt has backed new signing Manuel Ugarte to be the difference-maker for the team going forward.
United officially announced Ugarte on transfer deadline day as they secured his services from Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s believed that United and PSG reached an agreement for Ugarte at around the €60m mark, including add-ons. The player signed a five-year contract with the option of an additional 12 months.
The 23-year-old has yet to play for the Red Devils but is expected to play a part against Southampton this weekend.
Butt spoke to club media after playing in the Legends match against Celtic on Saturday and had his say on Ugarte.
The 1999 treble winner remarked, “I’ve seen a bit of him last year and I think he’s what we need.
“He’s got legs and he’s aggressive. Hopefully, he’ll shore up that midfield. The one thing it is lacking, and it has got a lot of talent in there going forward, is we can be a little open when teams are on the counter-attack against us.”
“So, hopefully, he’ll make the difference.”
On Ugarte’s role in the team as the anchor in the engine room, the United legend explained, “I’m pretty sure that is the thought process behind why they brought him in.”
“They want someone to do the dirty work and put in the work that people don’t tend to like to do. But it’s a very important job in front of the back four.”
Ugarte recently played 79 minutes for Uruguay as they were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay.
He produced a defensively sound performance and will almost certainly be in action once more as La Celeste clash against Venezuela later tonight at Estadio Monumental de Maturín.
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