Manchester United's newest recruit Manuel Ugarte played 79 minutes of Uruguay's 2026 World Cup qualification fixture against Paraguay in Montevideo on Friday night.

The match marked the midfielder's first appearance since helping Uruguay to finish third at the Copa America in the middle of July courtesy of a penalty-shootout success over Canada.

Ugarte was not involved for Paris Saint-Germain during pre-season, nor in the early stages of the campaign, as he continued to be heavily linked with a switch to Man United.

The 23-year-old's arrival at Old Trafford was confirmed in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, and he could potentially make his debut for the Red Devils against Southampton on September 14.

Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag admitted after the loss to Liverpool last weekend that it could take "months" for the midfielder to get up to speed due to his lack of action.

"With Ugarte, we have to build him into the team. It will take time, so it's not like I'm Harry Potter. That is what you have to acknowledge. And if you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn't play so far in the season. Not one match minute," said Ten Hag.

© Imago

Ugarte could make Man United debut against Southampton

"So he needs to build his fitness rate and then we have to build him in the team and I am sure he will contribute to our level and he will be an important player but that will take a couple of weeks, maybe even months."

However, Ugarte's hopes of being involved against Southampton were boosted on Friday, as he featured for 79 minutes of Uruguay's goalless draw with Paraguay.

The midfielder had 85 touches and boasted a pass success rate of 87%, while he managed eight accurate long balls, six recoveries, five tackles and four clearances during an excellent performance.

Ugarte also won 12 of his 16 ground duels and three of his four in the air, with Man United's new signing putting in an impressive display for his country.

Uruguay will take on Venezuela in their next match on Tuesday evening, and another appearance in that match would put Ugarte in a strong position to make his Man United debut against Southampton after the international break.

Written by
Matt Law