Manchester United are heading into a busy post-Christmas period with serious problems in midfield, and it could force Ruben Amorim to make some big calls.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa in their final game before Christmas, but the result was not the only bad news. Club captain Bruno Fernandes picked up a hamstring injury and had to come off early.
He is now set to miss the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle and could be out for several weeks.
That injury could not have come at a worse time. United are already short in the middle of the park, and Amorim is now left with limited options as the fixture list starts to pile up.
United Running Out of Midfield Options
Fernandes is not the only concern for United fans. There are also doubts over Kobbie Mainoo, who has been struggling with fitness issues and may not be ready to start against Newcastle.
One man who is certain to feature is Casemiro. The experienced Brazilian is back available after suspension and is expected to return straight into the starting XI.
The big question, however, is who partners with him.
At this stage, there is no guarantee that Manuel Ugarte will get the nod, and that says a lot about where he currently stands at Old Trafford.
Why Ugarte Is Failing to Convince
Ugarte arrived at Manchester United with a big reputation and a £50m price tag after his move from Paris Saint-Germain. Expectations were high, but things have not gone to plan.
Since joining the club, the Uruguay international has struggled to make the role his own.
His last seven Premier League starts have all ended in defeat, including the recent loss at Villa Park. That run has not gone unnoticed by fans or pundits.
One journalist even labelled his latest display as “scandalous”. While that may sound harsh, it underlines how poor his performance was on the day.
Despite making over 50 appearances for the club, Ugarte has rarely completed full matches and has failed to bring consistency. Two goals and six assists from that many games is not enough for a midfielder expected to control matches.
Big Weakness in Possession
The biggest issue with Ugarte’s game is what he offers when United have the ball.
Amorim wants his midfielders to move the ball quickly, break lines, and help the team progress through the centre. Unfortunately, this is where Ugarte struggles the most.
His Premier League numbers paint a worrying picture. He ranks very low for progressive passes and carries compared to other midfielders in the league.
That means United often slow down when he is on the pitch, making it easier for opponents to defend.
In a team already struggling for creativity without Fernandes, this weakness becomes even more damaging.
Youth Could Hold the Answer
With Ugarte failing to impress, attention is starting to turn towards the future and more specifically, the academy.
United already have young midfielders pushing for chances. Jack Fletcher recently made his senior debut, while Sekou Kone is another player highly rated by coaches behind the scenes.
But there is one name that has fans and scouts talking the most.
Teenager Lined Up as Long-Term Solution
Manchester United have already secured a deal for 17-year-old Cristian Orozco, who will officially join the club next summer from Colombian side Fortaleza.
The reported fee is around £740k, which could turn out to be a bargain if he fulfils his potential.
Orozco has yet to make his senior debut, but his reputation is growing fast.
He is a regular for Colombia’s Under-17 side and has been described as a midfield “destroyer”, someone who wins the ball, protects the defence, and stays calm under pressure.
Scouts have praised his positioning, tackling, and ability to keep possession ticking. Unlike Ugarte, Orozco looks comfortable receiving the ball and recycling play, even when pressed.
Numbers Back Up the Hype
At the youth international level, Orozco’s stats are encouraging. He boasts strong pass accuracy and solid defensive numbers in major tournaments.
He also shows confidence carrying the ball forward when space opens up.
For a player so young, his composure stands out. Those qualities suggest he could one day fit perfectly into Amorim’s system, which relies on disciplined but progressive midfielders.
Of course, there is still a long road ahead. Moving from youth football to the Premier League is a huge jump, and United will not rush him. But the foundations are clearly there.
What This Means for Ugarte’s Future
Ugarte is not being pushed out immediately, but the warning signs are clear.
If he fails to improve, United will not hesitate to look elsewhere, either in the transfer market or within their own ranks.
The club’s recent focus on youth and smart recruitment shows they are thinking long term.
Orozco’s arrival sends a strong message. United are planning for a future where midfielders must be comfortable on the ball, tactically smart, and physically strong.
If Ugarte cannot raise his level, he may find himself slowly replaced, first in importance, then in minutes, and eventually in the squad.
Manchester United’s midfield problems are not going away any time soon. Fernandes’ injury has exposed the lack of depth and quality in key areas, and Amorim now faces tough decisions.
While short-term solutions will be needed to get through the festive period, the club’s long-term thinking is already clear.
Young players like Cristian Orozco are being lined up to fix problems that current signings have failed to solve.
For Ugarte, the clock may already be ticking.
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