Ugarte gets Butt's seal of approval

The Uruguay international was the last of the first-team summer signings for our men, sealing his switch from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day.

After being presented to the Old Trafford crowd before the game with Liverpool in the Premier League, our new no.25 is currently away in South America representing his country in the World Cup qualifiers.

There is great anticipation of seeing him pull on the United shirt for the first time and Butt is convinced he will have a key role to play under Erik ten Hag this term.

Speaking to club media after taking part in the Legends game against Celtic at the weekend, Butt said: "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. 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."

In terms of Ugarte's likely positioning as the anchor in the engine room, the Treble winner added: "I'm pretty sure that is the thought process behind why they brought him in.

"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."

Butt, who scored a goal in the penalty shootout at the weekend, was thankful to be part of another successful day for Manchester United Foundation, with almost £1 million raised for charity by staging the 1-1 draw at the Theatre of Dreams.

"It was very enjoyable," he said. "Just to see the lads and it's for a great cause. To play at Old Trafford again is very special, it was something I dreamed about as a kid. So to do it at my age [49] was enjoyable and it was nice to see everyone."