New role, dream partnership - How Manuel Ugarte transfer can unlock three Man United stars

Manchester United are looking to bring defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte into their team before the end of the summer transfer window next week.

The Uruguayan midfielder comes with big expectations to meet in the centre, particularly after last season's woes in the middle of the park. Too often United found themselves cut open with the mix-and-match central defenders left unprotected from the attacking hordes.

Casemiro was often blamed as being off the pace in the midfield which forced United to lack a defensively minded player in the centre. Upon his arrival at Old Trafford, you would expect Ugarte to form a partnership with Kobbie Mainoo.

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During the summer, we saw how Mainoo blossomed alongside Declan Rice for England at the European Championships and having a player who can effectively mop up in front of the back line should allow Mainoo to roam forward and show off his attacking capabilities. One person who is confident Ugarte can produce this role is former United striker Diego Forlan.

He told ESPN Uruguay last year that he had spotted the midfielder's potential early and expressed: "He is very important in the middle to free Valverde and Bentancur. Defensively he adds a lot. If I were a coach, I would love to put Ugarte in the middle."

Having that anchor in the centre should not only allow Mainoo a bit more freedom but also give captain Bruno Fernandes the opportunity to focus solely on his offensive work.

While both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are showing promise with the latter happy to drop deep to start a build-up and link-up play, the Reds need a player like