Though Manchester United supporters might feel disheartened after their recent defeat, the current transfer period brings a sense of anticipation.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have signed several talented players to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad, including Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, and Noussair Mazraoui.
Despite these additions, the Red Devils seem poised to bring in another promising player, potentially someone who could become the club’s new Roy Keane.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United is nearing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Romano indicates that if Scott McTominay’s transfer to Napoli proceeds as planned, United will secure the permanent acquisition of the Uruguayan.
Although Romano has not mentioned the exact fee, previous summer reports have consistently suggested that Manchester United would need to pay £51 million for the 23-year-old, who earns £101k per week.
This is a significant investment, but incorporating this aggressive international player into Ten Hag’s midfield could greatly enhance the team’s strength against opponents. Ugarte might even become the Dutch manager’s equivalent of Roy Keane.
**Why Ugarte Could Be Ten Hag’s Keane**
When considering Roy Keane, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
For many, it’s the image of a classic “hardman”—a midfielder who could unsettle opponents before the game and deliver a strong tackle early on to make a statement.
Yet, this only captures part of the Irishman’s game, as thriving at Old Trafford requires more than just tough tackling.
One aspect Ugarte shares with the former United legend is his physicality; he isn’t hesitant to tackle, much like Keane. According to FBref, which compares players in similar roles across Europe’s top leagues, as well as the Champions League and Europa League, Ugarte ranks in the top 1% for tackles and dribbler tackles, and in the top 2% for interceptions, ball recoveries, and tackles won per 90 minutes.
However, like the player he aims to mirror, Ugarte is also proficient with the ball. He ranks in the top 1% for medium pass completion, the top 2% for long pass completion, and the top 4% for overall pass accuracy among midfielders. Additionally, the 23-year-old “defensive beast,” as Statman Dave described him, has another similarity with the midfield icon: a propensity for yellow cards.
Ugarte has accumulated 47 yellow cards in 200 appearances, averaging one every 4.25 games. In comparison, Keane received 99 yellow cards in 612 games, or one every 6.18 games. While no one will ever fully replicate Keane, acquiring Ugarte could be a significant step towards finding a close substitute for Ten Hag’s team.
