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Manuel Ugarte vs Casemiro comparison shows Man United have just landed a big £50m upgrade
Manuel Ugarte’s stats from his time at Paris Saint-Germain suggest Manchester United’s new £50million signing is going to be a huge upgrade.
The Red Devils addressed their need for a striker with the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee and the lack of defensive depth was solved with the signing of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
All that was left to do in the final few days of the window was to strengthen in midfield and United have now landed their first-choice target.
Ugarte is set to complete a £50million move to Old Trafford once his medical is completed with the Uruguay international set to become United’s fifth signing of the summer.
There are multiple ways Ugarte could be deployed at United with the 23-year-old set to become Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term partner and a replacement for an aging Casemiro.
READ MORE: Man Utd fans have a lot to say about Manuel Ugarte’s transfer fee, they’ve put the pieces together
Casemiro at Manchester United this season
Fans noticed Casemiro’s transformation over the summer with the Brazilian midfielder starting the season in great shape.
But at 32 years old, there is no denying that Casemiro’s performances are in decline and his defensive fragilities were exposed far too often last season.
If Mainoo is going to be allowed to roam forward then a defensive anchor is needed in midfield – Manuel Ugarte solves that issue
Ugarte has been compared to N’Golo Kante due to his impressive defensive work-rate in the heart of midfield.
Manuel Ugarte stats compared to Casemiro
It is expected that Ugarte will be the long-term solution to Casemiro’s aging legs, and he could take his spot in the first team as soon as this weekend’s blockbuster clash against Liverpool.
Sky Sports compared the stats of Ugarte and Casemiro and the results are eye-opening.
| Stats (per 90 minutes) | Manuel Ugarte | Casemiro |
| Interceptions | 1.6 | 0.7 |
| Tackles | 3.9 | 3.3 |
| Ground duels won | 5.8 | 4.1 |
| Possession lost | 7.4 | 12 |
| Progressive passes | 4.05 | 3.0 |
| Aerial duels won | 0.66 | 1.66 |
Ugarte beats Casemiro in every defensive category with more interceptions, tackles and ground duels per 90 minutes.
He also loses possession less regularly than his midfield counterpart and is better on the ball with more successful dribbles.
Ultimately, Ugarte is a huge upgrade on Casemiro and still has plenty of years to develop and progress under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage.
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