Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte says the entire squad feels “very motivated” ahead of the new season. Their belief in head coach Ruben Amorim is driving that energy. Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag midway through a historically poor campaign.
United endured their worst Premier League season, finishing 15th. Their final hope of European football faded after a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final.
Speaking after United’s pre-season win over West Ham United in New Jersey, Ugarte told ESPN: “We are all very motivated, because we believe in the coach, we believe in what he wants and that is very important. Last year we made some changes, we changed our coach, we changed our formation. This year I am good, I am very excited. It is important to perform well in this club, with United.”
Summer Signings Bring Fresh Energy
To address last season’s goal-scoring struggles, United have made key attacking signings. They brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. The club scored only 44 league goals last season.
Ugarte acknowledged the need for time to develop chemistry: “Sometimes the connections take time to get to know each other,” he said. “I already know the league, the rivals, which is important. You have to have responsibilities when you play for United. I am very happy and we have to keep going.”
Amorim Focuses on Confidence and Stability
Ruben Amorim, who took over in November 2024, praised Ugarte’s progress and highlighted the importance of off-field comfort for on-pitch performance: “The first thing is adaptation to a new team, a new country. Sometimes, you just look inside of the pitch but, off the pitch, you can have some trouble sometimes.
He is more adapted and then he needs more confidence, it’s also my job.”
He emphasized the team’s need for belief: “If you look last year, take Bruno [Fernandes], who is always confident and look at the team, and the performance of the team if he doesn’t perform well. We can see today, when they are confident in their play, it seems like everyone can touch the ball and have confidence. It is more a team thing than individual.”
Manchester United, led by Amorim and anchored by players like Ugarte, are determined to reset. With early signs of cohesion and confidence, fans hope the Red Devils can reclaim their place among England’s elite.
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