Ugarte: The Boss Emphasises Communication | Amorim: Ugarte Needs More Confidence

Ugarte Praises Amorim's Communication Focus As Manager Calls for More Confidence

Manuel Ugarte is beginning to find his rhythm at Manchester United, and it shows. The Uruguayan midfielder put in a tireless shift as the Reds kicked off their U.S. pre-season tour with a 2-1 win over West Ham in New Jersey.

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Buzzing across the pitch, breaking up play, and linking passes with precision, Ugarte didn’t solely cover ground, he also made his presence impossible to ignore.

What’s even more telling? He’s starting to find his voice. After the game, Ugarte stepped in front of MUTV’s cameras and, for the first time, chose to speak in English, a small but significant gesture that mirrors his growing comfort and connection within the squad.

“Ruben always says about the communication,” Ugarte shared as Manutd.com reported.“Speak to everyone and work as a team and try to recover the ball as soon as possible.”

It’s a mantra that clearly played out against West Ham. Ugarte was a livewire in midfield, pressing hard and playing with real intent. He even carved out a would-be assist, threading a clever ball through to Amad, only to see the finish ruled out.

But beyond the technical moments, it’s his understanding of Amorim’s expectations, and his desire to meet them, that stood out most.

Embracing the Pressure

Having arrived late last summer from PSG, Ugarte is now enjoying his first full pre-season with the club. And the experience of touring America with Man United is doing more than sharpening his fitness, it’s deepening his appreciation of the shirt he wears.

“In the USA, there are a lot of United fans,” he noted.“We can see every day, in the hotel and the street. It is important to understand where we are. We are enjoying it but we have a lot of responsibility.”

That responsibility, the weight of expectations from millions around the globe, isn’t lost on the 23-year-old. But according to manager Rúben Amorim, the next big step for Ugarte lies within.

Ugarte sealed a move to Old Trafford from the Parc des Princes last summer

"He Needs More Confidence" – Amorim on Ugarte’s Next Step

While Ugarte is winning plaudits for his energy and commitment, Amorim believes there’s more to come, once the midfielder truly backs himself.

“He is more adapted and then he needs more confidence,” Amorim said. “It’s also my job.”

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Drawing comparisons to Bruno Fernandes, Amorim made it clear that confidence is a personal trait, and it’s contagious. When one player plays with belief, the ripple effect can transform a team’s rhythm.

“Take Bruno, who is always confident. Look at the team, and the performance of the team if he doesn’t perform well.We can see today, when they are confident in their play, it seems like everyone can touch the ball and have confidence. It is more a team thing than individual.”

For Amorim, it’s a delicate balance: challenging players to grow while supporting them as they navigate a new club, culture, and language. In Ugarte’s case, it’s clear the building blocks are there: work ethic, tactical understanding, and now, slowly but surely, self-belief.

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