Unsung derby hero who bossed midfield and 'had De Bruyne in his pocket'

Manuel Ugarte was the unsung hero of the Manchester derby with a solid performance in midfield following a shaky start to his career at Old Trafford.

His arrival at Manchester United was met with excitement and anticipation but the Uruguayan midfielder initially struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

His performances were inconsistent, and questions were raised about his suitability for the club.

But under the guidance of new manager Ruben Amorim, Ugarte has undergone a remarkable transformation.

The Portuguese tactician, who previously worked with Ugarte at Sporting CP, has been instrumental in unlocking the midfielder's potential.

Understandably after the dramatic impact from Amad Diallo most of the attention will be on him, but Ugarte's display didn't go unnoticed.

MUTV’s Danny Webber singled out Ugarte after a brilliant midfield performance.

“Also a big mention to Ugarte in the middle of the park,” he explained following the incredible 2-1 comeback win.

“I thought he was strong and I thought it was one of his best performances since he’s been at the club. He broke a lot of things up and he dominated.”

Amorim's tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players has been evident in Ugarte's recent performances.

The Uruguayan has been a dominant force in the middle of the park, breaking up play, winning tackles, and distributing the ball effectively.

Ugarte's ability to nullify Kevin De Bruyne's influence on the game was crucial to United's 2-1 victory.

But still, despite the praise, some fans have questioned Ugarte's passing range and decision-making.

Some have even compared him to former Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole, highlighting his aggressive style of play but also his limitations.

Starting with the positive, one fan wrote: “United had KDB in jail, we won’t let that go unnoticed.” Another shared: “Ugarte, just like against Forest, among United’s best players this game.”

On the other side of the coin, one fan watching on was unsure whether the United players really trusted the former Paris Saint-Germain player with the ball.

One wrote: “I’m not sure Man United’s players really trust Ugarte on the ball…

“Look how often he’s in a good position, and is ignored by his teammates who choose to pass laterally instead. Huge issue for their ball progression.”

Another protested: “Ugarte is a hard watch. Like watching a more aggressive, technically inferior Lee Cattermole.”

However, it's important to remember that Ugarte is still adapting to the demands of the Premier League. With time and experience, he can develop into a world-class midfielder.

The arrival of Amorim has undoubtedly been a game-changer for Ugarte. The Portuguese manager has provided the midfielder with the guidance and support he needs to thrive at the highest level.

As United continue their journey under Amorim's leadership, Ugarte will be a key player in the team's success. With his defensive prowess and growing attacking threat, the Uruguayan is poised to become one of the Premier League's top midfielders.