Manchester United have not been afraid to make big sales in the transfer market since INOES took over the club. Whether it’s an academy player or a big-money star who leaves for less than his cost, Ruben Amorim’s side are showing off a new look.
Arguably the biggest player to move, even if only on loan, is Marcus Rashford. He is developing at Barcelona and has been involved in 15 goals in just 16 games. Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony were also made permanent transfers during the summer.
It will be interesting to see who leaves over the next few transfer windows. If United are looking to bring in star players who don’t fit into Amorim’s system, Diogo Dalot could be on that list.
Dalot’s limits in the Amorim system
It wasn’t easy for Dalot to adapt to Amorim’s infamous 3-4-2-1 system. The Portuguese is a right-back by trade, but can also play on the opposite flank. This means the Red Devils manager has faith in him as he plays as a wing-back.
This is fine in principle, but wing-backs in United’s current system are essentially wingers. Traditional full-backs like Patrick Dorg and Nousser Mazroui have struggled more than wingers like Amad, as they are often the most forward-facing players when attacking.
Dalot certainly fits into this category. The 26-year-old has played 45 times for his compatriot at Old Trafford, all of those appearances as a wing-back. Breaking it down further, 22 people are on the right side and the remaining 23 people are on the left side, so it’s almost 50/50.
Admittedly, United’s number two leaves something to be desired in terms of creativity. He has only registered seven goals and assists, and his goal in the famous 5-4 Europa League win against Lyon is an example of how high he can reach as a wing-back.
Whatever Dalot’s future at United turns out to be based on his suitability for the system, there is another player who should be given some time off in the near future.
Not just Dalot: big-money player needs to leave Manchester United
INEOS have certainly worked hard in the transfer market, acquiring players who are not good enough for the club or who do not fit into Amoirm’s system. But their work isn’t done yet.
One player who could top Old Trafford’s sales list is Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The number 25 is yet to hit his best form at Old Trafford since his £42m move last summer.
His time as a Red Devils player was incredibly disappointing considering the price United paid. He has made 55 appearances for the club so far, scoring two goals and providing five assists, but his form seems to have declined in the Premier League.
One of Ugarte’s biggest problems is his lack of technical ability with the ball. The former Sporting CP star, who played under Portuguese coach Amorim, has trouble moving the ball forward, which is a major flaw in his game.
The numbers also support that theory. Last season in the Premier League, Ugarte averaged just 3.08 successful progressive passes per 90 minutes, ranking him in the 18th percentile among midfielders.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the completed pass into the opponent’s goal or into the penalty area.
Off the ball, he can be an effective ball winner, but is hasty and committed 2.07 fouls in each game last season.
Ugarte passing statistics 2024/25 PL | ||
|---|---|---|
State (per 90) | number | Percentile vs CM |
pass completed | 45.88 | 46th place |
key pass | 0.5 | 13th |
advance to the final third | 2.97 | 36th place |
pass into the penalty area | 0.45 | 20 days |
progressive path | 3.08 | 18th |
Statistics from FBref | ||
There are certainly a lot of negatives to Ugarte’s game. It is true that he is inefficient with the ball and at times is too light without it, leading to him diving recklessly.
It feels like he has yet to impress fans, with Alex Turk, who is active on Red Devils’ social media, calling him “embarrassing” earlier this season.
With this in mind, it would be no surprise if United looked to sign a midfielder. While he may not recoup much of his £50m fee, he will at least save £120,000 a week in wages. In any case, having more progressive players would strengthen the midfield.
