Manuel Ugarte to Wear No. 25 Shirt for Manchester United: A New Era Begins
Manuel Ugarte to Wear No. 25 Shirt for Manchester United: A New Era Begins
Manchester United is pleased to announce that its latest signing, Manuel Ugarte, will wear the iconic No. 25 shirt as he embarks on a new chapter at Old Trafford. The Uruguayan midfielder, who joined the Red Devils during the summer transfer window, is expected to bring energy, tenacity, and an impressive work rate to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Manuel Ugarte, 23, completed his move to Manchester United from Sporting CP in a deal reportedly worth £60 million. The Uruguayan international is widely regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football, having garnered attention for his performances in the Primeira Liga and on the international stage with Uruguay.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, has been vocal about his admiration for Ugarte’s abilities. “Manuel is a player with immense potential, and his arrival will add another dimension to our midfield. His defensive acumen, combined with his ability to distribute the ball effectively, makes him an ideal fit for our style of play,” ten Hag stated.
The No. 25 shirt at Manchester United carries significant history, having been worn by some of the club’s most beloved players. The most notable wearer of the shirt was former captain Antonio Valencia, who donned the number from 2009 until his departure in 2019. Valencia, a right-back and winger who was known for his speed, strength, and leadership qualities, helped United secure multiple Premier League titles and other honors during his decade-long stint at Old Trafford.
Ugarte now steps into this role, aware of the legacy he is inheriting. “Wearing the No. 25 shirt is an honor, especially knowing the history behind it. I’m fully committed to giving my all for this club and helping the team achieve success,” Ugarte said in his first official interview as a Manchester United player.
Manchester United’s Director of Football, John Murtough, played a pivotal role in securing Ugarte’s transfer. Murtough emphasized the club’s commitment to strengthening the squad with young, talented players who can make an immediate impact. “Manuel is a player we’ve been monitoring for some time. His performances at Sporting CP have been outstanding, and we believe he has the qualities needed to thrive in the Premier League. We’re confident that he will become a key figure for us in the years to come,” Murtough explained.
Ugarte’s versatility in midfield is expected to provide ten Hag with various tactical options. Known for his ability to break up opposition play and initiate attacks from deep positions, Ugarte’s presence will complement the likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount in the United midfield. This balance of defensive solidity and creative flair is something ten Hag has been keen to cultivate as he continues to shape the team in his vision.
Manuel Ugarte’s journey to Manchester United has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Ugarte began his professional career at CA Fénix before moving to Europe to join Portuguese side Famalicão in 2020. His performances in the Primeira Liga quickly caught the attention of Sporting CP, who signed him in 2021. Over the past two seasons, Ugarte has developed into one of the standout performers in the Portuguese top flight, earning plaudits for his combative style and mature displays.
On the international stage, Ugarte has represented Uruguay at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2021. He was part of the Uruguay squad that competed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, further establishing himself as a key player for La Celeste.
As the new Premier League season gets underway, Manuel Ugarte is eager to make his mark in English football. The midfielder has already begun training with his new teammates and is expected to feature prominently in Manchester United’s upcoming fixtures.
“I’m excited to get started and to play in front of the fans at Old Trafford. The Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and I’m ready to give everything to help the team succeed,” Ugarte said.
Erik ten Hag echoed Ugarte’s sentiments, expressing his confidence in the midfielder’s ability to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. “Manuel has the mentality and the talent to thrive here. We’ve been working hard to integrate him into the squad, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action.”
Manchester United supporters have every reason to be optimistic about the club’s future with the arrival of Manuel Ugarte. His signing represents a continuation of the club’s strategy to invest in young talent, building a squad capable of challenging for major honors both domestically and in Europe.
As Ugarte prepares to make his debut in the famous red shirt, fans around the world will be watching with anticipation, eager to see the impact this talented midfielder will have at Old Trafford. With the No. 25 shirt on his back, Ugarte is ready to write the next chapter in Manchester United’s storied history.
