Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand delivered a blunt and uncompromising assessment following the club’s 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa, singling out midfielder Manuel Ugarte as a major contributor to the disappointing result.
The loss, which frustrated both supporters and pundits alike, highlighted United’s ongoing struggles to control matches—particularly in midfield, where Ugarte was expected to play a decisive role.
During his post-match breakdown, Ferdinand was unsparing in his criticism of the Uruguayan international. He argued that United’s inability to dominate the center of the pitch stemmed largely from Ugarte’s ineffective display.
According to Ferdinand, the midfielder failed to impose himself on the game, leaving the team vulnerable and disjointed.
“When you analyze how the midfield functioned, it’s clear that the required intensity and intelligence just weren’t there,” Ferdinand explained.
“In games like this, you need someone who can set the tempo, connect defense to attack, and show authority. That simply didn’t happen.”
Ugarte, who joined United during the summer transfer window with high expectations attached to his name, has shown glimpses of quality in earlier appearances.
However, his inconsistency has continued to frustrate fans, and Ferdinand’s comments echoed the growing concerns among the United faithful.
The former defender noted that Villa’s midfield, led by players such as Douglas Luiz, consistently outworked and outthought United’s central players.
“It felt like he was constantly a step behind,” Ferdinand added. “Against opponents who are organised and aggressive, you cannot afford to drift through games. He was outmatched, and that hurt the team badly.”
The defeat has reignited debate about Ugarte’s suitability within Erik ten Hag’s system. While his earlier performances raised optimism, critics now argue that those moments may have inflated expectations prematurely.
Ferdinand’s remarks suggest that unless Ugarte improves rapidly, United’s ambitions—particularly their push for a top-four finish—could be seriously undermined.
Ferdinand also stressed the importance of mental sharpness and responsibility, especially for young players at elite clubs. “The Premier League is ruthless,” he said. “You can’t carry passengers.
Every decision matters, every action has consequences. When you play for Manchester United, the standards are unforgiving, and Ugarte didn’t meet them on this occasion.”
Despite the harsh assessment, Ferdinand acknowledged that the responsibility does not fall entirely on one individual.
However, he made it clear that Ugarte’s performance symbolised wider issues within the squad, including a lack of cohesion, leadership, and urgency in crucial moments.
Looking ahead, Ugarte still has time to respond to the criticism. With the season progressing and fixtures coming thick and fast, he will have opportunities to regain confidence and prove his value.
Support from teammates and guidance from the coaching staff will be vital, but performances on the pitch must improve quickly.
Ultimately, Ferdinand’s critique serves as both a warning and a challenge. Manchester United cannot afford repeated slip-ups against direct rivals, especially when every point matters in the race for Champions League qualification.
For Ugarte, the spotlight is firmly on him, and how he responds may define both his season and his future at Old Trafford.
