Dominant Manuel Ugarte bossed the midfield in Leeds United draw | OneFootball

Manchester United emerged from a hostile Elland Road with a well-deserved draw with Leeds United.

The hosts went ahead after seizing upon a rare error from Ayden Heaven, but United bounced back almost immediately through Matheus Cunha and could have gone on to win had Benjamin Sesko remembered his shooting boots.

Ugarte impressive

With players still missing through injury and AFCON commitments, head coach Ruben Amorim didn’t have many options when picking his team today.

In the absence of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo it could only be Manuel Ugarte starting alongside Casemiro in the midfield.

The Uruguayan has struggled horribly for form this season, but was a genuine powerhouse against Leeds. No player on the pitch won more than Ugarte’s ten duels, which came from 17 contests.

Ugarte won nine of 13 on the ground and one of four in the air in an uncharacteristically dominant performance in the heart of midfield. He also completed the one dribble he attempted.

Defensive shield

The 24-year-old was one half of an effective shield for United’s young defence, and won more tackles than anyone else on the pitch.

Ugarte managed six tackles, one more than next-best Heaven, although was dribbled past once. He also chipped in with one clearance and two interceptions.

A common criticism of the Uruguayan’s game is his limited ability in possession, but he showed a more accomplished passing display than normal.

Ugarte found his man with 40 of 49 attempted passes, coming out at a respectable 82% passing accuracy. His distribution included five attempted long balls, three of which found their man.

He was also more involved than usual at the sharp end, where he had two shots off target and one blocked.

Manuel Ugarte vs. Leeds United

Question marks remain over Ugarte’s future at United with even a January exit suggested in some corners. But his performance against Leeds was a positive indication of the effective player he can be.

He will almost certainly retain his place for United’s trip to Burnley on Wednesday, and will hope to build on this display.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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