Ian Wright has delivered a strong and controversial assessment of Manchester United’s recent transfer activity, singling out one summer signing as a major disappointment and suggesting the club made a costly mistake by letting a key player leave to accommodate him.
According to Wright, United’s recruitment decision last summer has not only failed to strengthen the squad but may have actually weakened it.
He argued that the player brought in has struggled to live up to expectations and has not contributed positively to the team’s overall balance and performance.
In his view, allowing a more influential player to depart while bringing in a less effective replacement has proven to be a significant misstep by the club’s hierarchy.
This criticism comes in the wake of United’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford.
Despite being in a strong position to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, the Red Devils missed a golden opportunity to extend their advantage over their closest rivals. Instead, the loss has intensified scrutiny on both individual performances and broader squad decisions.
Leeds secured victory thanks to an impressive first-half display, with Noah Okafor scoring twice to put the visitors firmly in control.
Although Casemiro managed to pull one goal back for United later in the match, it ultimately proved to be only a consolation, especially after the team was reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Lisandro Martínez.
While there were controversial moments in the game—including a possible foul by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the build-up to Leeds’ opening goal, as well as the debated red card shown to Martínez—these incidents did not completely overshadow the underwhelming performances from several United players.
One individual who came under particular scrutiny was Manuel Ugarte.
The midfielder was given a starting role alongside Casemiro due to the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, who missed the match with a minor injury. However, Ugarte struggled to make a positive impact throughout the game.
Although his passing accuracy appeared respectable on paper, his overall contribution raised concerns. He frequently lost possession, gave the ball away multiple times, and failed to assert himself in key moments.
Defensively, he was unable to prevent the cross that led to Leeds’ opening goal and also struggled in aerial duels, winning only a small percentage of them.
This performance has been seen as part of a larger pattern, as United have reportedly managed to win only one out of the ten matches in which Ugarte has started this season.
His display against Leeds further reinforced doubts about his suitability for a regular starting role, with some observers suggesting that he may have already played his last game for the club.
The situation has put added pressure on interim manager Michael Carrick, who now faces important decisions regarding team selection.
With Mainoo expected to return soon, there is a strong possibility that Ugarte could be dropped for upcoming fixtures, including a crucial away match against Chelsea.
Speculation has also begun to grow regarding Ugarte’s future at Old Trafford.
Reports linking him with a potential departure have gained momentum, and it would not come as a surprise if he is among the players considered for transfer during the next window.
Overall, Wright’s comments reflect a growing frustration among fans and pundits alike. While individual errors and controversial decisions have played a role in recent results, the spotlight is increasingly shifting toward recruitment choices and whether the club has made the right calls in shaping its squad.
