Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has named the teammate he believes is his most underrated at Previous Trafford – central midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Purple Devils are enduring one other difficult season, with a change in administration unable to ship a turnaround in outcomes. Head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that the rest of the 2024/25 marketing campaign will probably be “painful”, although Friday evening’s 2-1 win over Leicester Metropolis within the FA Cup fourth spherical did provide some non permanent respite.
Hojlund’s particular person marketing campaign has additionally been difficult. The 22-year-old, signed in July 2023 in a deal value £72m, has scored simply two Premier League objectives in 19 appearances and has misplaced his place as a assured starter up entrance.
The Dane is now on a run of 14 video games and not using a purpose throughout all competitions, and there was even speak of a possible January exit when the switch window was open. No presents have been forthcoming however Hojlund should start to search out the again of the web if he is to persuade Amorim that he has a job to play long-term.
In an interview with Sky Sports activities, Hojlund was placed on the spot over which of his United teammates doesn’t get the popularity they deserve, and it did not take him lengthy to call Ugarte, who joined final summer time from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, because the participant who goes beneath the radar most.
“I believe you’ve seen it somewhat bit extra now with the brand new supervisor coming in, how effectively he’s been doing,” Hojlund defined. “Clearly the outcomes haven’t been adequate however he’s been a standout participant currently. You see his high quality, you see these workhorses in groups, they don’t get the appreciation.
“For instance, Amad [Diallo] has been doing superb lately and he’s beginning to get his recognition.
“However Manu has additionally been very, superb. You’re beginning to see now that he’s acting on one other degree.”
Ugarte beforehand labored with Amorim at Sporting CP, spending two seasons in Portugal earlier than heading to PSG in June 2023. United, nonetheless managed by Erik ten Hag, then swooped in on the finish of August 2024 to choose up the Uruguayan worldwide in a deal value near £50m inclusive of potential add-ons.
The 23-year-old is now first-choice in United’s midfield, usually partnering Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes, and has taken on the position of defensive midfield anchor from Casemiro.
READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
