Ugarte Shines in Manchester United's Draw with Liverpool

In a dramatic conclusion to the match between Manchester United and Premier League leaders Liverpool, Manuel Ugarte executed a remarkable reverse pass to Bruno Fernandes, creating a moment of tension at Anfield. While defender Harry Maguire's missed opportunity was notable, Ugarte's skillful play exemplified why his arrival in Manchester in September generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike.

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes commented on Ugarte's surprising quality on the ball and highlighted his growth in confidence since joining the team. He pointed out how Ugarte's understanding of the game, coupled with his ability to contribute both defensively and in attack, has enriched United's midfield dynamics under manager Ruben Amorim.

The draw moved United to 13th place in the league, still perilously close to the relegation zone, yet it felt like a significant achievement given their recent performances. Ugarte's development has been particularly notable under Portuguese coach Amorim, offering him an opportunity to shut down critics who had been vocal after his inconsistent start.

Ugarte, who previously faced scrutiny from figures such as Marco van Basten regarding his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, proved his critics wrong on Sunday with 58 touches and an impressive 88 percent passing accuracy. He met Liverpool's formidable midfield rivals in Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Curtis Jones head-on.

Scholes attributed a lot of United's improved performance to Amorim's decision to field Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, contrasting sharply with the earlier match against Newcastle where Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggled. He stressed the importance of selecting the right personnel for the midfield, emphasizing that United needed to build on this performance as a foundation for future success.

Looking ahead, United's next challenge is a trip to Arsenal for an FA Cup third-round match. The critical takeaway from the match against Liverpool is the need for consistent intensity, a characteristic that has been glaringly absent in previous outings, and now stands as a potential benchmark for the team's progress moving forward.