“Erik ten Hag should have sign him instead. Manuel Ugarte is a bad business. He is not the type of player that will help Manchester United. We need player like Rodri and this boy can do it for us”-Paul Scholes names the player Manchester United should have signed who plays like Rodri instead of Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United are reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, aiming to bolster their central midfield options. Ugarte, a 23-year-old Uruguayan known for his defensive strength and game management, has been identified as a priority by United’s recruitment team. The midfielder impressed with 37 appearances for PSG last season following his transfer from Sporting Lisbon, showing his capabilities in both Ligue 1 and European competitions. His addition is expected to provide United with much-needed depth and consistency in midfield, a position where they have struggled in recent years.
However, former United star Paul Scholes believes the club may be focusing on the wrong profile of player by targeting Ugarte. Scholes, a key figure in United’s midfield during his career, argues that the team needs a different type of midfielder. He suggests that United’s squad lacks someone who can dictate the game’s tempo and control play from the center of the field, a role that has been missing since his own retirement.
Scholes pointed to Ilkay Gundogan, who recently returned to Manchester City after a stint with Barcelona, as the kind of player United should have been pursuing. He believes Gundogan’s experience, vision, passing ability, and leadership are exactly what United need to provide stability and creativity. Scholes sees Gundogan as a player who could effectively manage the game’s tempo, maintain possession, and enhance the performance of his teammates.
Additionally, Scholes mentioned Martin Zubimendi, a midfielder from Real Sociedad, as another potential fit for United. Zubimendi, a promising Spanish international, attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Liverpool, who approached him earlier this summer. However, Zubimendi chose to remain with Sociedad. Scholes feels Zubimendi’s tactical awareness, composure, and defensive skills would be ideal for United, offering a combination of defensive strength and ball control.
Discussing United’s current midfield situation on *The Overlap*, a well-known football discussion platform, Scholes stated, “I think that’s the type of player they need – a Zubimendi or – I’m gonna say – Gundogan.” He highlighted the importance of a controlling midfielder who can orchestrate play from deep positions, ensuring United maintains possession and sets the match tempo. For Scholes, a player like Gundogan or Zubimendi would bring not just quality, but also the experience and composure required to compete at the top level.
As the summer transfer window approaches its August 30 closure, Manchester United’s quest for a new midfielder continues to be a hot topic. While Ugarte’s potential signing is promising, Scholes’ comments underscore the ongoing search for the right balance of talent and experience that could finally bring control to United’s midfield. As fans await the club’s next move, the question remains: Will Ugarte be the solution, or will United explore other options to find their ideal midfield leader?
