Manchester United's bold gamble could redefine their season—bringing back a player who's yet to taste victory in his starts this year!
If you're a football fan, you know the high-stakes drama of Premier League clashes, especially when Manchester United faces off against Liverpool at Anfield. But here's where it gets controversial: Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils' manager, might just shake things up by recalling Manuel Ugarte to the starting lineup for Sunday's match. This comes despite Ugarte suffering defeats in every single game he's begun this season, with Casemiro stepping in to take his spot over the past few months.
For newcomers to the sport, think of the midfield as the engine room of a football team—where players control the game's pace, distribute passes, and break up opponents' attacks. Amorim has typically favored pairing the experienced Casemiro with captain Bruno Fernandes in this central role, leaving Ugarte and youngster Kobbie Mainoo on the sidelines as substitutes. Yet, as United prepares to tackle the current Premier League champions at their formidable home ground, things could shift dramatically.
And this is the part most people miss—training absences might be the key catalyst. Both Casemiro and Fernandes skipped Thursday's team session after returning from international commitments, which is common in football where players represent their national teams during breaks. This gives them time to rest and recover, but it also means Amorim has to rethink his lineup. Meanwhile, Amad and Matheus Cunha got extra days off, focusing on personalized training routines at the club's Carrington facility.
Ugarte, on the other hand, was fully involved with the main squad. Reports from The Sun suggest he's in the running for a surprise starting role against Liverpool. The Uruguayan midfielder wasn't selected by his national coach Marcelo Bielsa for recent experimental matches against the Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan, giving him valuable extra practice time with Amorim back in Manchester. In contrast, Casemiro played every minute for Brazil in their games away to Japan and South Korea before heading back to England.
Manuel Ugarte could soon return to the spotlight.
Ugarte got a rare opportunity after the September international break, starting in a match where United was convincingly beaten 3-0 by local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. He played for 80 minutes before Casemiro replaced him. His other outings this season—both losses—came away to Brentford and in the League Cup against Grimsby Town.
Just last month, Ugarte openly discussed his challenging start to the campaign, expressing determination to turn things around. 'We haven't started the season very well,' he told El Observador, reflecting on the team's struggles. 'My level wasn't the best either, so we have to be realistic and honest. But I'm very confident, I have a very good relationship with the coach. I work hard and I'm excited and eager to earn a starting spot.'
Amorim himself acknowledged during pre-season that adaptation plays a huge role in a player's performance, especially for newcomers like Ugarte. 'The first thing is adapting to a new team and a new country,' he explained. 'Sometimes, the focus is just on what's happening on the pitch, but off it, there can be challenges. He's getting more settled, and now it's about building his confidence—that's part of my role too. Look at Bruno Fernandes, who's always brimming with self-assurance; when he plays well, it lifts the whole team. When players feel confident, the team as a whole seems to click, and it's more about collective success than individual brilliance.'
This potential recall sparks debate: Is Amorim making a smart, faith-based decision, or is it a risky move that could backfire? Some fans argue it shows trust in young talent and the power of fresh starts—perhaps Ugarte needs game time against top opposition to regain his form. Others might question it, pointing out his recent losses and wondering if it's fair to the team. What do you think? Does giving a struggling player another chance pay off in football, or should managers stick to proven performers? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Amorim's approach, or disagree? Let's discuss!
