In a recent match against Southampton, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim conceded that starting midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who had recently transferred for approximately £50 million, was an error. Ugarte, appearing fatigued, inadvertently scored an own goal, contributing to United’s initial deficit. Amorim recognized that Ugarte’s tiredness stemmed from his exertions in a prior game against Liverpool. He stated, “Ugarte was tired because he did a great job against Liverpool.” Amorim took responsibility, noting that his tactical decisions left Ugarte exposed to Southampton’s dynamic midfield. He admitted, “It’s more my fault than his fault.”
Challenges in Player Adaptation
Manuel Ugarte emphasized the necessity for players to acclimate to the Premier League’s rigorous schedule. He remarked, “The players will get used to that.” This comment underscores the physical and mental demands placed on athletes in England’s top football tier. The manager also highlighted the importance of effective communication and strategy, acknowledging that missteps in these areas can lead to on-field challenges.
Manchester United’s Recent Performance Concerns
The match against Southampton was challenging for United. Despite a late surge led by Amad Diallo’s 12-minute hat-trick, the team’s overall performance raised concerns. Manuel Ugarte candidly assessed the game, stating, “We were too late to every ball and we tried to press too high and suffer for that.” He acknowledged the need to understand why the team struggles in certain matches compared to others.
