Ruben Amorim hands lifeline to 'incredible' Man Utd flop on eve of Old Trafford arrival as Portuguese coach prepares for last Sporting CP match

Ugarte joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain this summer for a deal worth £51 million ($60m). However, the midfielder has endured a tough start to his new journey in the Premier League. The 23-year-old has appeared in 10 matches across all competitions since arriving at Old Trafford, out of which he has started in only four games and failed to live up to expectations.

Considering the massive fee that the club shelled out to bring in Ugarte in the summer, fans expected an instant impact from the defensive midfielder. However, new boss Amorim, who is set to arrive in Manchester on Monday, has assured the Uruguay international that he will have his full support. Ugarte had spent two seasons at Sporting CP under the Portuguese coach's tutelage between 2021 and 2023.

Speaking to reporters, Amorim said, "All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible and that’s why I love them. Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow. I am very happy to know that I have him back at Man United."

Amorim will be on the sideline for a Sporting CP game one last time on Sunday as they take on Braga in a Liga Portugal clash away from home. His first game in charge of United will come after the international break away at Ipswich Town on November 24.