Manuel Ugarte primed to suffer in Ruben Amorim’s unrelenting graft
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The reunion at Manchester United with his former Sporting coach is prospering despite the odd setback. It is always a relief in a new job to see a familiar face and it was no different for Ruben Amorim when he reacquainted himself with the former Sporting midfielder Manuel Ugarte at Manchester United. Both are new to the club and success at Old Trafford could hinge on how well the two perform as they “suffer” together.
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After United secured a hard-fought and morale-boosting draw at the leaders Liverpool and went on to beat Arsenal on penalties in the FA Cup, there was a sense of optimism that a key problem had a solution. Then the midfield pairing of Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo was overrun by rock-bottom Southampton and Amorim was left to ponder how he can achieve his goals with the squad he inherited.
There will be no let-up on Sunday against Brighton, one of the fastest teams in transition in the league, and they could make United endure another difficult 90 minutes but without the missed chances and late collapse. Ugarte is 23 and Mainoo 19, giving optimism to Amorim that if the duo reach their potential they could be conjoined for years to come. Additional options will be required because Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are unable to cope with the constant running. It is arguably the most demanding role and doing it twice a week would test marathon runners. Amorim wants his players to “suffer” and end each game without an ounce more energy to give, which comes with risks and rewards.
