Ugarte's stats show early promise

The Uruguay midfielder will return from international duty to be reunited with his former boss at Sporting, Ruben Amorim, and is looking to build on an impressive outing against Leicester City, last time out.

Ugarte's qualities were much discussed when he moved from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, and Opta's research shows his tackling ability, in particular, compares favourably to Reds of the past.

Their data looks at every season since 2006/07, in this regard, and the South American's tally of 5.5 per 90 minutes played will be very noteworthy if it can be maintained over a longer period.

The top figure in this metric for an entire United campaign is from former England international Owen Hargreaves, who tallied 4.8 every 90 minutes in 2007/08.

Current colleague Casemiro is in third spot, ahead of Darren Fletcher, who features twice on the list. 

Notoriously busy midfielders Ander Herrera and Ji-sung are also included.

TOP TACKLES PER 90 MINS IN PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON

2024/25: Manuel Ugarte 5.5 (279 mins)
2007/08: Owen Hargreaves 4.8 (1,527 mins)
2024/25: Casemiro 4.5 (625 mins)
2006/07: Darren Fletcher 4.2 (1,426 mins)
2007/08: Darren Fletcher 4.1 (639 mins)
2017/18: Ander Herrera 4.0 (1,260 mins)
2011/12: Ji-sung Park 4.0 (925 mins)

Ugarte's display earned plaudits last weekend, with Opta pointing out his eight tackles, although matched by Noussair Mazraoui in the Liverpool game this term, were only bettered recently by Casemiro's nine against Aston Villa last February.  

Manuel was also the first Red to make 8+ tackles and 3+ interceptions in a Premier League fixture since his midfield partner Casemiro, in last January's game against Crystal Palace.

So the early signs are looking promising, as he adjusts to English football, and it will be hoped he can kick on, starting from the Ipswich contest a week on Sunday.