Erik ten Hag gives honest reaction to ‘brave’ Manuel Ugarte transfer

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given his honest reaction to the news that the club have sealed the Deadline Day signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. 

Manuel Ugarte emerged as the number one target for the midfielder this summer, with Dan Ashworth and Erik ten Hag aligned in signing the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder.

The 23-year-old midfielder travelled to Manchester earlier this week to undergo a medical at Carrington after the Red Devils agreed a deal with PSG.

It is understood that the club have agreed to pay an initial £42 million with the fee rising to £50.5 million with performance-related add-ons.

The defensive midfielder becomes the fifth addition to the first-team squad adding to the summer signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Ugarte will fill a much-needed profile in midfield with Casemiro in the latter stages of his career.

Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as one of the first names on the team sheet since making his debut against Everton last season campaign.

The new signing will help Mainoo focus on his creativity and box-to-box abilities with Ugarte focussed on defensive duties and disrupting play.

Erik ten Hag reacts to Manuel Ugarte transfer

Speaking on Deadline Day, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was excited at the prospect of Ugarte joining his squad.

The former Ajax boss was keen to bolster his midfield and believes the new signing will bring a different dynamic that he was looking for.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Red Devils boss said: “I think he [Ugarte] is a very good fit for Manchester United. 

“A good fit to this team because this team needs that controlled aggression.

“He’s a very brave player, so we would be really happy.

“I’m sure he will really contribute to our success.”