“I think he’s what we need” - Manchester United legend highlights why Manuel Ugarte can make an impact at Old Trafford

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes new signing Manuel Ugarte will transform the club's midfield. The 23-year-old was signed on Deadline Day as the Red Devils' statement signing in their first transfer window under the INEOS leadership.

Butt, who returned to Old Trafford this weekend for a legends game against Celtic, told the club's official website what he feels Ugarte will bring to the Manchester United midfield.

The 49-year-old said that the Uruguayan midfielder is exactly what Ten Hag's side need.

"I’ve seen a bit of him last year and I think he’s what we need. He’s got legs and he’s aggressive," Butt claimed.

"Hopefully, he’ll shore up that midfield. The one thing it is lacking, and it has got a lot of talent in there going forward, is we can be a little open when teams are on the counter-attack against us. So, hopefully, he’ll make the difference," he added.

Last season, Ugarte led Paris Saint-Germain for most tackles, interceptions, as well as recoveries. That led the Red Devils to stump up an initial fee of £42.1 million to sign the Uruguayan midfielder.

Ugarte is expected to provide defensive stability to the club's midfield, something that was exposed by Liverpool in Manchester United's last match before the international break.

Butt also emphasized the importance of the defensive midfield position.

"I’m pretty sure that is the thought process behind why they brought him in," he claimed. "They want someone to do the dirty work and put in the work that people don’t tend to like to do. But it’s a very important job in front of the back four."

Nicky Butt played 387 times for Manchester United across a spell that spanned twelve seasons between 1992 and 2004. He won six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy during his time at Old Trafford.

"I was anxious at times" - New Manchester United signing Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte played his official match of the season in Uruguay's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. The midfielder played 79 minutes as the two sides settled for a 0-0 draw.

Speaking to the press after the match, Ugarte highlighted how he felt after taking to the field for the first time since the summer.

"It was very difficult and complicated because I tried not to live it with a lot of anxiety. But it was difficult. The pre-season was strange for me because I was not used to finding myself in this situation and playing so little," he admitted.

"But now that everything has been resolved, I am very happy and I felt good on the pitch today. The wait was long and I was anxious at times. But this kind of situation happens to any player," a relieved Ugarte added.

Ugarte is expected to be included in the United squad when they travel to face Southampton in the Premier League after the international break.