Ruben Amorim Needs to Axe ‘Useless’ Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United dropped two precious Premier League points as they drew 1-1 against West Ham United. And Ruben Amorim needs to drop one player after his dismal display on Thursday night.

The Red Devils started the game poorly, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s Irons in the ascendency for most of the opening 20 minutes. But the hosts then had several chances to take the lead, the best of which fell to Joshua Zirkzee, who saw an effort off his thigh cleared off the line by former Red Devil Aaron Wan-Bissaka before Burno Fernandes’ scissor kick hit the outside of the post.

Neither team was able to break the deadlock before half-time, but United emerged from the break with renewed purpose and vigor. They eventually found the breakthrough, as Casemiro’s shot fell kindly into the path of Diogo Dalot, who lashed the ball home from close range.

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However, West Ham pushed for a route back into the tie, and eventually found an equaliser from a corner. Although Jarrod Bowen saw a header cleared off the line by Noussair Mazraoui, Soungoutou Magassa was on hand to poke the ball home.

United Lost Control After Manuel Ugarte Came On

With United one goal up heading into the last 15 minutes of normal time, Amorim turned to Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan, typically renowned for his no-nonsense tackling, has often been brought off the bench by his manager, who would have hoped that the 24-year-old could provide control for the final minutes of the game against West Ham.

But, if anything, United lost control when he came on. The team lacked urgency and appeared to be more open, despite them having an extra man in the engine room.

The numbers were not particularly shoddy for Ugarte, who completed all but one of his passes during his cameo and won his only duel. However, the feel of the game changed when he came on, perhaps indicating a lack of confidence, with Amorim telling his player that he needs to improve in training.

Check Out Ugarte’s Stats From the Game Below:

Considering that Amorim has Kobbie Mainoo to choose from on the bench, continuing to play the former Sporting man just seems to be counter-intuitive. It’s as good a time as any to give him a break from action and turn to alternatives.

Supporters Slam Ugarte’s Performance Against West Ham

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While Ugarte arguably needs motivation to start playing his best football again, supporters have voiced their displeasure with his efforts online during and after the game. One bemoaned the fact that the team conceded just minutes after he came on, stating: “Whenever Ugarte comes on the pitch you just know the team will eventually concede another goal, he’s a demonic spirit.” Another, reacting to West Ham’s goal, wrote: “Ugarte heritage.”

A fellow fan echoed both of the comments above, saying: “Every time Ugarte gets subbed on we concede almost immediately. I do not believe in coincidences.” And one more said: “Ugarte coming on will always mean the other team are scoring.”

Others have questioned Amorim’s decision to keep bringing him on, given that he’s looked particularly poor whenever he has featured. One supporter wrote: “So you wanna tell me Ugarte is better than Kobbie Mainoo, Ruben Amorim?” And that was reiterated by another, who said: “Amorim is stupid in his head, takes Dalot off when he’s playing good, brings on Ugarte who is useless.”

Many are convinced that the £150,000-per-week star is a liability, with the club needing to weigh up in the next month if it’s worth replacing the midfielder once the January transfer window opens. Reports indicate that they would be open to selling him as they look to strengthen their options in that part of the pitch.