Manchester United fans have expressed concern over the performance of one player following their 1-1 draw against FC Twente in the Europa League. The match at Old Trafford saw Christian Eriksen give United the lead before halftime, but that advantage was erased when Sam Lammers equalized after the break.
Throughout the game, manager Erik ten Hag faced criticism from supporters, particularly regarding the timing and effectiveness of his substitutions. Fans also voiced frustration over the team’s approach after taking the 1-0 lead, with some feeling that the tactics left much to be desired. Even Eriksen himself acknowledged that Twente appeared more determined, admitting that it “didn’t feel right” that the opposition seemed to want it more than United in crucial moments.
Despite the criticism of United’s overall performance, there were still notable individual displays. Christian Eriksen, who has been a key figure in the team recently, continued his impressive run of form. Marcus Rashford, while not entirely consistent throughout the match, also showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly in the first half where his dynamic play created several promising opportunities for the team.
Another focal point for fans was the performance of Manuel Ugarte, who made his second start for Manchester United since joining from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer. The midfielder’s display at Old Trafford divided opinion, with many supporters taking to social media to express their concerns. A number of fans were critical of Ugarte’s decision-making and contribution during the game, with one fan commenting that while they initially believed people were being too harsh on the player, they now felt that Ugarte “is not good.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one supporter questioning why Ugarte was attempting to shoot, pointing out that he has yet to score a goal in his career. Another fan argued that Manchester United’s academy players have shown more promise than Ugarte, stating they were “better than this guy” and expressing frustration over the club’s decision to sign him.
Manchester United Fans Debate Ugarte’s Future After Disappointing Display Against Twente
The debate among fans even extended to potential alternatives that could have been pursued during the transfer window. Some felt that the club could have invested in another midfielder, with one fan lamenting that United “could have got Amadou Onana for the same price” as Ugarte. Comparisons were also made to Scott McTominay, with one supporter suggesting that McTominay is “twice the player Ugarte is.”
However, Ugarte wasn’t without his defenders. A number of fans acknowledged his defensive contributions as a major positive from his performance. One supporter pointed out that while Ugarte lost possession too frequently, his ability to recover the ball and win it back was impressive, adding that this strength was enough to temper some of their concerns. Another fan echoed these sentiments, praising Ugarte’s defensive capabilities but admitting that his passing left much to be desired.
Overall, the fanbase seems split on Ugarte’s role and future at the club. While some are hopeful that he will improve, others remain skeptical, feeling that his performances so far have been underwhelming compared to what was expected of him when he joined from PSG. For Erik ten Hag and the coaching staff, it will be crucial to address these concerns as Manchester United continues its campaign, especially as the team seeks to improve consistency both in Europe and domestically.
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