An excited Manuel Ugarte insisted he feels fit enough to drop straight into the Manchester United team after September’s international break.
The midfielder was revealed to United fans ahead of the Red Devils’ disappointing 3-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday, receiving an applause from fans as he paraded on to the pitch. His move to the Premier League was announced just before the summer window closed – making him ineligible to play in the clash after failing to be registered in time.
Further complicating his eventual debut is the fact Ugarte was frozen out at Paris Saint-Germain and has not played a minute of competitive action this season. His first minutes of the campaign will come in a Uruguay shirt over the coming weeks.
Ugarte, however, believes he is raring to go for both club and country.
“I haven’t played many minutes since the season started, but physically I feel very good, I prepared myself and I’m always ready,” he told local media.
“Every minute is important to recover and push myself before the match against Paraguay. It’s a shame because I would have loved to enjoy the atmosphere [at Old Trafford against Liverpool] and the result is also a shame, but I’ll have time to enjoy Old Trafford.”
Further reflecting on his move to United, Ugarte admitted talks with those in charge at Old Trafford had left him desperate to get started.
“We had to calm the anxiety a little. Now that it has happened, I am very happy, thrilled and very hungry and excited,” Ugarte continued. “New owners have arrived and they are changing many things.
“The project is very good and I love the atmosphere there on a daily basis, and the desire to succeed in that team. That motivates me to want more. Also, the history that this team has.”
United have won just one of three games so far this season, defeating Fulham before falling to Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool. They’re set to face Southampton at St Mary’s when the campaign resumes.
