‘Room to grow’ – Amorim excited to reunite with Manchester United star

Ruben Amorim is excited about the prospect of working with Manuel Ugarte again at Old Trafford.

The new head coach will begin his tenure at Manchester United next week after he takes charge of his final match as Sporting CP manager.

In his first game at United, Amorim will guide to team on their travels to Ipswich Town.

Although his focus will be on beating Braga in his final match as Sporting boss, Amorim is already assessing the options he will have to work with at United.

Amorim has expressed his excitement at reuniting with Manuel Ugarte after the pair enjoyed success together by winning the Primeira Liga title in 2023.

Speaking to TNT Sports Mexico this week, Amorim said: “All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible and that’s why I love all Uruguayans… Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow. I am very happy to know that I have him back at Manchester United!”

Rúben Amorim🇵🇹 habló con @tntsportsmex sobre Manuel Ugarte🇺🇾 y su fascinación por los jugadores uruguayos días después de que se confirmara que asumirá como DT del Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/GMTCTV2b1C

— Santiago Acevedo (@santiacevedo02) November 5, 2024

Manuel Ugarte steadily improving

It would be a lie to suggest Ugarte has hit the ground running. Some of his performances have been below par, but that is to be expected for a player coming into a new league and playing for a team struggling for results.

Signed by Erik ten Hag but playing better under Ruud van Nistelrooy in a double pivot alongside Casemiro, Ugarte will be excited to reunite with Amorim, who got the best out of him prior to his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old midfielder was handed just one start prior to Ten Hag’s sacking last week. Since then he has started all three games under Van Nistelrooy.

Ugarte started strongly but went on to struggle under Luis Enrique at PSG.

The Uruguay international will hope it’s a lot different at United under Amorim.

Ruben Amorim drops hint over future signings

When Amorim says “I love all Uruguayans,” I can’t help but think this quote will come back to bite him in the transfer window.

United will get linked with a host of Uruguayans as they got linked to every Dutch player on the market under Ten Hag.

One player I’d welcome with both arms is Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.