MANUEL UGARTE SPOKE TO MAN UTD PAIR AND STAR ERIC TEN HAG AXED BEFORE TRANSFER

Manuel Ugarte revealed Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez helped him make up his mind to join Manchester United.

Ugarte became United's fifth summer signing when his £42million switch – rising to a potential £50m – from Paris St Germain was confirmed on transfer deadline day.

The Uruguay international sealed his move too late to play a part in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to arch rivals Liverpool, but was introduced to the home fans before kick-off at Old Trafford.

Ugarte has now revealed the role United skipper Fernandes and defender Martinez - as well as former Red Devils winger and Uruguay team-mate Facundo Pellistri – played in him arriving at the Theatre of Dreams.

“First and foremost, its history, because we all know what a massive club United is,” said Ugarte. ”One of the best teams in the world. I've watched a few games since the news started to come out. I've also spoken with one or two players - with Bruno and Licha - and I have chatted quite a lot.

“I also spoke a lot with Facu Pellistri and he told me all about everything - the atmosphere that's generated, the matchday atmosphere that builds up at Old Trafford is incredible.

“So yes, I'm really excited. I'd love to experience United's legendary stadium as a player and feel the presence of the supporters. I'm really thrilled and, more than anything, eager and excited, while I obviously realise that it's a great responsibility and I'm prepared for that.

“I've never seen anything like it before, these United fans, because, since the news first came out, they've been sending me messages.

“It also made the news in Uruguay and so I also think that the supporters, the real fans, the die-hard United fans, deserve the club to be winning trophies and that's what we're hoping to achieve.”

Explaining his tenacious, ball-winning style, Ugarte said: “It's about fighting for every ball like it was your very last.

“It's something totally natural that you find in Uruguayan players and it's down to lots of things - the background and context we've played in and because there are so few of us. Uruguay is a tiny country, but it's won and achieved a lot.

“It produces good players and this is also down to that 'garra charrúa’, which means basically giving everything you've got, no matter what the situation.”

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2024-09-03T16:57:36Z dg43tfdfdgfd