As Manchester United welcomes Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, the Portuguese tactician has sent a clear message to midfielder Manuel Ugarte: past associations won’t guarantee a spot in the starting lineup.
Ruben Amorim Sends Clear Message to Manuel Ugarte: No Special Treatment
Amorim, who recently led Sporting CP to a dramatic 4-2 victory over Braga, is set to officially take charge at Old Trafford on Monday, November 11. However, he will have to wait a bit longer to hit the training pitch due to work permit issues.
In a recent interview with TNT Sports, Amorim praised Ugarte’s talent and potential but emphasized that the 23-year-old must continue to prove himself.
“First of all, all the Uruguayans I’ve managed are incredible and that’s why I love all Uruguayans. Ugarte is a very talented kid, he has a lot of room to grow, and he was one of the funniest players I’ve ever coached,” Amorim said.
However, Amorim made it clear that Ugarte won’t receive any special treatment. “I was very happy to know I would find him back at Manchester United, but he knows better than anyone that for me all players are equal, so I was very happy, but he is still going to have to work hard,” Amorim added.
Ugarte, who joined Manchester United for £42 million on deadline day, has struggled to make a significant impact since his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite only starting two matches under former manager Erik ten Hag, Ugarte has recently found some form under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, enjoying a run of four consecutive starts.
Amorim’s approach is a stark contrast to the leniency Ugarte might have expected given their history at Sporting CP. The midfielder’s journey has been a rollercoaster, having initially joined PSG for £51 million from Sporting before moving to Manchester United.
His performances at Old Trafford have been underwhelming, and he has found himself behind the aging Casemiro in the pecking order.
However, with Amorim’s arrival, Ugarte has a fresh opportunity to prove his worth. The new manager’s emphasis on hard work and equality means that every player, regardless of their past, must earn their place in the team.
As Amorim prepares to take the reins at Manchester United, the club’s fans will be watching closely to see how he reshapes the squad and integrates players like Ugarte into his vision for the team.
With his track record of success and a clear message of no special treatment, Amorim is poised to instill a new work ethic at Old Trafford.
Read More: Explained: Why Amorim’s Man Utd start date has been delayed
