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Manchester United have given new signing Manuel Ugarte the number 25 shirt after the departure of Jadon Sancho.
The Uruguayan was chased all summer by United and at one point, it seemed like they had even given up hope of landing the player.
Nonetheless, these reports did not turn out to be accurate and the Red Devils maintained their interest, eventually striking a deal with Paris Saint-Germain towards the end of the window.
A humbling 0-3 loss to Liverpool and a nightmarish performance from current defensive midfielder, Casemiro, means the majority of fans are desperate to see if Ugarte can improve the team’s current plight.
Before the match yesterday, the Uruguayan was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd and proudly held up his new number 25 shirt.
The 23 year old posted on X, “it’s a dream to be here. Incredible atmosphere at our house. Let’s make it a great season together.”
It’s a dream to be here.
Incredible atmosphere at our house.
Let’s make it a great season together.#MUFC @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/6K3Yhe1wmS
— Manuel Ugarte (@manuugarte8) September 1, 2024
Interestingly the Copa America star was given the number vacated by controversial winger Sancho.
The Manchester Evening News report that there has been “no love lost” between United and Sancho as Ugarte “takes the same number he has previously worn for his country, though never at club level.”
“Most recently Ugarte wore the numbers four and 14 for PSG, whilst at Sporting CP he was No.15.”
The decision to give him Sancho’s number 25 so soon after his departure possibly hints at the acrimonious nature of the split.
Despite the manager Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho apparently patching up their differences at the start of pre-season, he was continuously linked away from Old Trafford.
Subsequently, he was left out of the matchday squad for both opening Premier League fixtures and sealed a deadline loan plus obligation deal to Chelsea.
United fans will be hoping that the club’s new number 25 will have a significantly more positive impact at the club than the Englishman. Judging by United’s start to the season, he will need to.
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