In a match that had everything from high stakes to late drama, Manuel Ugarte’s brilliance stood out like a beacon of hope for Manchester United. As the clock ticked down in a pulsating 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield, the 23-year-old Uruguayan midfielder produced a jaw-dropping reverse pass to Bruno Fernandes that sent waves of anxiety through the home crowd. It was a moment that encapsulated Ugarte’s quality and gave United fans a reason to believe amidst a challenging season.
While the headlines may focus on Harry Maguire’s missed opportunity to snatch a dramatic winner, Ugarte’s contribution was arguably the defining highlight of the game. With Liverpool pressing and the pressure mounting, Ugarte’s calm and audacious assist showcased not only his technical ability but also the composure and vision that Manchester United had been craving in midfield.
A Performance to Remember
“His quality on the ball surprised me,” admitted club legend Paul Scholes during Premier League Productions’ post-match analysis. “He’s probably done better than I thought he would. His confidence, his positioning, and his ability to help both defensively and in attack were outstanding.”
Scholes’ praise was a resounding endorsement of Ugarte, who has flourished under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim. Having arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for €41 million in September, Ugarte faced intense scrutiny early on, with critics—including Dutch icon Marco van Basten—dismissing the transfer as a mistake. Yet, performances like Sunday’s are proving the naysayers wrong.
Against Liverpool, Ugarte delivered an impressive 58 touches, boasted an 88% passing accuracy, and held his own against Liverpool’s formidable midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones. It was the kind of display that epitomized why Amorim trusted him in such a high-stakes encounter.
A Tactical Masterstroke
Amorim’s decision to pair Ugarte with 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo in midfield was pivotal. The duo brought energy and balance, a stark contrast to the struggles of United’s veteran pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, who were overrun in the 2-0 loss to Newcastle just days earlier.
“Personnel makes a big difference,” Scholes emphasized. “The middle of the pitch is the most important area. On Monday, it wasn’t right, but today we saw what Ugarte and Mainoo bring. This has to be the blueprint moving forward.”
United’s renewed intensity under Amorim’s leadership—a key demand since his appointment in mid-November—was evident. For a team languishing in 13th place, closer to the relegation zone than European qualification spots, this draw felt like a turning point.
The Road Ahead
Next up for United is a trip to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round, a fixture that will test their ability to maintain the intensity and fearlessness displayed at Anfield. The frustration among fans is palpable: why has this level of performance been so inconsistent? Can they finally build momentum?
“I take more out of that performance than actually winning against the champions,” Scholes reflected, referencing their earlier victory over Manchester City. “This is the standard. Now they have to follow through.”
Final Thoughts
For Ugarte, the match against Liverpool was more than just a standout performance; it was a statement. In a season full of doubts and disappointments, his display reminded everyone of the promise he brings to Old Trafford. If United can channel this energy and make it their “new normal,” the second half of the season might hold far brighter days for the Red Devils.
Sunday’s game at Anfield didn’t just end with a point; it ended with a spark of hope. And for Manchester United, that could make all the difference.
