‘You see the level’: Int’l coach says Man Utd star caused problems for his side, INEOS are desperate to sell him

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Stretty News

·28. März 2026

‘You see the level’: Int’l coach says Man Utd star caused problems for his side, INEOS are desperate to sell him

England boss Thomas Tuchel singled out Manuel Ugarte as one of Uruguay’s top performers in last night’s draw at Wembley.

The Three Lions conceded a late equaliser from the spot against Marcelo Bielsa’s side, with the friendly ending 1-1 after a fiery clash.

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How Manuel Ugarte fared vs England

Ugarte started and played 87 minutes in London alongside goalscorer and Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.

The Manchester United midfielder was at the centre of some bizarre refereeing confusion, which saw him shown two yellow cards across his cameo, but he stayed on the pitch without receiving a red.

It was later claimed that Ugarte’s second booking had been rescinded, hence why he was able to continue until the closing stages.

It seemed as though Manuel Ugarte received two yellow cards, but no red. But now it appears he actually got... 0 yellows? 🧐
– Freitag, 27. März 2026

In regard to how he fared on the night, the 24-year-old completed 37 passes in total and made three passes into the final third.

Defensively, he made four recoveries, two tackles, two clearances, two interceptions and one headed clearance (Fotmob).

Reacting to the stalemate post-match, Tuchel said of Uruguay’s midfield duo: “When you play against Ugarte and Valverde, you see the level.”

'When you play against Ugarte and Valverde,' Tuchel says, ' you see the level.'
– Freitag, 27. März 2026

Ugarte likely to leave United before 2026/2027

Yet, Ugarte is actually one player who looks destined to leave Old Trafford in the summer window.

He has fallen hugely out of favour this campaign, and, like the other fringe players, is feeling the effects of United’s early cup exits and lack of European football.

Even the times he has played, he simply hasn’t shown enough to warrant staying another campaign in M16.

(Ugarte’s record under Michael Carrick)

A departure in the coming months means United would be calling time on Ugarte’s tenure after only two years, following his £51 million switch from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

PSG reinvested the funds on young startlet Joao Neves, who was also greatly admired by United chiefs, and he has since gone on to be worth every penny for the reigning Champions League winners.

It remains to be seen where Ugarte will look to ply his trade next, or the fee INEOS will demand for his signature.

Ajax have made an enquiry over Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte — but at this stage, a deal is considered unlikely. The Dutch giants want a new No 6 and have the Uruguay international on their list. They have been looking at a loan, with no long-term decisions
– Dienstag, 20. Januar 2026