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Manchester United’s stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad was a night to remember, not just for Amad Diallo’s late winner but also for the remarkable performance of Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
The Uruguayan, who has struggled to find his footing since arriving in England, delivered his finest display yet in a United shirt, helping the team secure a dramatic comeback win.
Trailing 1-0 after City took the lead, United showed resilience and composure rarely associated with their recent derby outings.
Instead of crumbling under pressure, they stayed in the game, biding their time to strike.
The equaliser came in the 88th minute, and Amad’s stunning 90th-minute goal sealed a memorable win.
But while the headlines belong to Diallo, it was Ugarte’s tireless work in midfield that gave United the platform to compete and ultimately triumph.
Ugarte’s performance was a masterclass in defensive and transitional play.
Manuel Ugarte – #MUFC vs Manchester City:
🔋 90 minutes played
🎯 95% passing accuracy inc. 3/3 long balls
🔑 1 key pass
⚔️ 7 duels won
💪 4 tackles
👋 2 interceptions, 1 clearanceThe boy BOSSED it in midfield. 👏🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/k7mOdZ5EdJ
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) December 16, 2024
Playing the full 90 minutes, he recorded an outstanding 95% passing accuracy, including three successful long balls. His ability to retain possession and distribute under pressure helped United weather City’s attacks and maintain their shape.
Defensively, Ugarte was immense. He won seven duels, made four crucial tackles, and added two interceptions and a clearance to his tally.
Every time City sought to exploit the midfield, Ugarte was there—breaking up play, closing down spaces, and ensuring
United remained compact and organised. His one key pass demonstrated his composure, showing he wasn’t just about stopping City but also contributing to United’s attacking transitions.
The 23 year old has endured a challenging start to life at Old Trafford, adapting to a new league and facing managerial instability. Yet, on the biggest stage, he rose to the occasion, bossing the midfield against one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides.
United’s victory may be remembered for its late drama, but it was built on the solidity and grit of players like Ugarte. If this performance is a sign of what’s to come, United may have found their new midfield general.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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