Man United dealt £5m Manuel Ugarte blow after Uruguay struggle vs Saudi Arabia - verdict

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte failed to increase his market value in Uruguay's 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.

In their first World Cup group stage match, Max Araujo rescued a late point for Uruguay, who failed to capitalise on Spain's shock draw with Cape Verde.

Ugarte was making his first appearance since Man United lost to Leeds in mid-April.

The 25-year-old is highly likely to leave Man United this summer, with the midfielder not part of Michael Carrick's plans at the club.

Signed in 2024 for £50.5million from PSG, it looks like Man United may have to make a loss on that investment.

There is not expected to be a queue of clubs waiting to sign Ugarte, or a bidding war, as Man United seek to offload an unwanted player.

Manuel Ugarte fails to deliver in Uruguay draw

Sitting alongside Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield, Ugarte had the perfect opportunity to prove his worth against Saudi Arabia.

Sitting 45 places above their opponents in the FIFA rankings, Uruguay were expected to win the contest.

Picked by manager Marcelo Bielsa for his off the ball work, Ugarte only won one of his six duels.

Substituted in the 72nd minute, Ugarte had failed to win a tackle or an aerial duel, and was dribbled past once.

Ugarte failed to protect his back four as Saudi Arabia took the lead in the first half and had an equal amount of efforts on goal as Uruguay.

Sources had previously told Football Insider that Newcastle were plotting a move to sign Ugarte this summer, but this outing will not have piqued their interest.

Manuel Ugarte fails in Man United audition

Ugarte certainly did not look like a player capable of replacing Casemiro at Man United.

Carrick's decision not to utilise Ugarte across the final six games of the Premier League season has been justified by this display.

The Red Devils have already agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign their midfielder Ederson, which looks set to push Ugarte closer to the Old Trafford exit door.

It is now just a case of how much Man United will receive for Ugarte, with Carrick hoping the World Cup can help increase his valuation.