Manuel Ugarte’s Man United future questioned after brutal Nicky Butt verdict

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has come under fierce criticism from club legend Nicky Butt, who insists the midfielder is not of the required standard to play at Old Trafford.

Ugarte arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 for a reported £50m, but has struggled to establish himself, making just seven Premier League starts this season. Despite previously working under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP, that relationship failed to translate into consistent performances in England.

Now, with Michael Carrick in interim charge, scrutiny around Ugarte’s role has intensified.

Earlier in the season, the midfielder openly acknowledged that his performances had fallen short. Speaking in September, Ugarte admitted the start to the campaign had been difficult, saying that the team had not begun well and that his own level “wasn’t the best either”.

He added that honesty was important, but stressed he remained confident, explaining that he had a good relationship with the coach, was working hard in training and was eager to earn a starting place.

However, Butt has little sympathy. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the former United midfielder did not hold back.

He said Ugarte was “not a Manchester United midfielder in a million years”, repeating the phrase for emphasis and adding that the signing was just one example of United’s flawed recruitment strategy. Butt argued that the club “keep getting it wrong” with the players they bring in, describing it as an ongoing issue rather than an isolated mistake.

The comments underline a wider frustration among former players about how United have invested heavily without consistent returns on the pitch.

Those concerns have been reflected in reports suggesting Ugarte’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain. Turkish giants Galatasaray are said to be exploring a loan move that could include an option to buy for around €25m — a significant potential loss on United’s original investment.

Whether Carrick sees Ugarte as part of his short-term plans remains unclear.

While Butt’s assessment was scathing, Rio Ferdinand offered a more measured critique, placing responsibility on Carrick to try to extract more from the midfielder.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand said he had been disappointed with Ugarte, explaining that the player arrived with a reputation for energy, tackling and aggression — qualities United were said to be lacking.

Ferdinand noted that he has yet to see those attributes consistently, adding that Ugarte has not produced a performance that makes him think the midfielder could become a dominant presence or “midfield dog” capable of driving the team forward.

He went on to say that one of Carrick’s biggest challenges will be improving both the collective level of the team and the performances of individuals like Ugarte. According to Ferdinand, extracting more from players already at the club is essential if United are to progress.

The timing of the criticism is significant. United face Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend before hosting Arsenal in another high-stakes encounter.

Despite sitting seventh in the table, United are only three points off fourth-placed Liverpool, underlining how quickly momentum could swing — either positively or negatively — in the coming weeks.

Carrick now faces a defining decision: attempt to rebuild Ugarte’s confidence and role, or sanction a move that draws a line under another expensive gamble. With crucial fixtures looming, clarity may come sooner rather than later.

Can Michael Carrick revive Manuel Ugarte’s United career — or is this another signing destined to be written off?