Manuel Ugarte reveals that he spoke with two current first-team stars at Manchester United and one former player before completing his £51m move to Old Trafford.
Manuel Ugarte has revealed that he spoke with two current first-team stars at Manchester United and one former player before completing his £51m move to Old Trafford on deadline day.
The 23-year-old was wanted by the Red Devils throughout the summer and they eventually got their man, who has penned a five-year contract after joining from Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Erik ten Hag has already talked up the qualities of the defensive midfielder, stating that he will be a “very good fit” to his team.
Ugarte was not registered in time to play for Man United in last weekend’s 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League, but he will be ready to make his debut after representing Uruguay during the international break.
Before departing for South America, Man United’s new No.25 has explained why he has decided to join the club and how he was persuaded to make the move by three Red Devils.
© Imago
Ugarte reveals Pellistri, Fernandes, Martinez talks
Explaining what drew him to Old Trafford in an interview for Man United’s official website, Ugarte said: “First and foremost, it is history, because we all know what a massive club United is – one of the best teams in the world.
“I also spoke a lot with [Facundo] Pellistri and he told me all about everything. The atmosphere that’s generated, the matchday atmosphere that builds up at Old Trafford is incredible.
“So yes, I’m really excited. I’d love to experience United’s legendary stadium as a player and feel the presence of the supporters.”
Pellistri plays alongside Ugarte for Uruguay, but the winger’s four-year association with Man United came to an end last month when he joined Greek outfit Panathinaikos after failing to nail down a regular starting spot at Old Trafford.
Ugarte has also revealed that he spoke with Man United captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Lisandro Martinez before finalising his transfer to the red side of Manchester.
Ugarte: ‘Man United deserve to be winning trophies’
Straight to work.
Footage from @ManuUgarte8‘s first session is in 🎬⤵️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 2, 2024
“I’ve watched a few games since the news started to come out,” Ugarte added. “I’ve also spoken with one or two players – with Bruno and Licha (Martinez) – and I have chatted quite a lot.
“So yes, I’m really thrilled and more than anything eager and excited, while I obviously realise that it’s a great responsibility and I’m prepared for that.”
“I’m really excited,” Ugarte continued. “I’ve never seen anything like it before, these United fans, because, since the news first came out, they’ve been sending me messages. I’ve seen them everywhere!
“It also made the news in Uruguay and so I also think that the supporters, the real fans, the die-hard United fans, deserve the club to be winning trophies and that’s what we’re hoping to achieve.”
Ugarte could make his debut for Man United when they travel to St Mary’s to face newly-promoted Southampton in the Premier League on September 14.