“There was a change of project last year” : PSG sporting director reveals the reason of selling Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United
After just a single season with the French giants, Manuel Ugarte is on his way to start his new life with the Red Devils in the Premier League. But many are wondering why PSG let go of the talented midfielder after just one season.
Before his departure from Paris, Luis Enrique dropped the Uruguayan from first-team training and squad lineups. He later mentioned PSG were intending to sell him as they plan to let go of players they no longer ‘count on’.
Luis Enrique is currently the PSG head coach, but his roots will never change. Formerly the manager of Spain and FC Barcelona, the Spainard likes his players to keep the ball with them as long as possible, trying to play in-behind the defence and let the wingers do their duty. Manuel Ugarte might not be the best suit for Enrique’s possession-based system, and they already possess the likes of Vitinha and youngster Waren Zaire-Emery.
PSG sporting director confirms real reason of Manuel Ugarte’s sale amongst other departures
Recently, PSG’s sporting director also confirmed this in an interview with Sport Italia, saying the Spanish manager’s needs and wants play an important role in influencing the club’s sporting decisions.
“You have to understand the context for (selling) Skriniar, as for Ugarte, there was a change of project last year. A new way of playing.” said Campos.
Selling a player termed as unwanted makes sense for both parties, as Ugarte agreed personal terms with Manchester United weeks before the two clubs reached an agreement for him for a total package of 60 million euros, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano. The Uruguayan was also one of the players who got little to no playing time in the French club’s Champions League campaign last season.
But things might be different in his stint with Manchester United, as Erik ten Hag usually likes transitional play, effective use of counter-attacking and pressing ruthlessly up the opponent’s side of the pitch, and the ability of the Uruguayan eating up ground in the midfield while providing quality on the ball may be his key to become a regular in the starting eleven.
As for Manchester United themselves, they got their target signing in midfield after beating competition like Chelsea, although, they had to pay a bit more than what most would usually prefer. The 24-year-old returned to the Red Devils’ training after the international break as confirmed by the Dutch manager, and will be looking for his Premier League debut against Southampton this Saturday.
