Turning it around: Amorim 'really pleased' with £42m Man Utd star who made 8 recoveries vs Leeds
Manchester United battled their way to a hard-earned point at Elland Road after a tense 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday.
The Premier League clash finished level and never quite reached the explosive heights usually associated with this historic rivalry.
Leeds struck first when Brenden Aaronson burst past Ayden Heaven with electric pace before rifling a superb finish into the bottom-right corner.
Matheus Cunha levelled the score after just three minutes to save United from a damaging defeat.
While Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee will deservedly earn plaudits for their performance, Amorim lavished special praise on Manuel Ugarte.
He said after the game (via Football on TNT Sports): “I think [Manuel] Ugarte is playing better. Ugarte is showing that he has more to give and I’m really pleased for Ugarte.
“So if these guys play well, we have always the chance to win the game.”
Ugarte was named in the starting XI for the fourth consecutive time today.
He partnered Casemiro at the heart of midfield, filling the void left by the injured Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
The 24-year-old looked sharp throughout, pressing aggressively and covering ground with relentless energy.
He recorded 70 touches and completed an impressive 40 of his 49 passes.
Although not renowned for his ball-playing ability, Ugarte reminded everyone why he is so highly regarded as a midfield enforcer.
He produced a disciplined defensive display, making eight ball recoveries and winning three tackles.
Ugarte also thrived in the physical battle, coming out on top in nine of his 13 ground duels.
We believe that this surge in form has been aided by Casemiro’s presence behind him in midfield.
The £42 million signing now enjoys greater freedom to step out, press high and disrupt opponents with intensity.
After a difficult first half of the season, a strong finish could yet revive Ugarte’s United career, which only weeks ago appeared to be drifting towards an unfortunate end.
Stats from Sofascore.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .