Ugarte's chance to prove his real value

Manchester United saved their most important signing until last in the summer.

- GEORGE SMITH

That was how it felt at the time, anyway. Following several weeks of negotiations and talks with Paris SaintGermain, United wrapped up the signing of Manuel Ugarte, pictured, on deadline day. He joined the club in a deal initially worth £42.3m, signing a five-year contract.

Throughout last season, United's need for fresh blood in midfield became more and more obvious. Casemiro experienced a staggering decline and finding a longterm successor was a transfer mission the club simply could not afford to fail.

A flurry of names were linked with the possibility of filling that void at Old Trafford throughout the summer, but Ugarte was the player United identified as the ideal fit.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth described the Uruguayan as being 'among the very best ball-winning midfield players in the world'.