Ex-PSG star Manuel Ugarte is adjusting to his new role at Manchester United, facing criticism after mixed performances. Meanwhile, Arsenal benefits from PSG’s injury crisis, which has left the French side short-handed ahead of their Champions League clash. With key players sidelined, including Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marco Asensio, PSG’s challenges may impact their upcoming match against the Gunners.
Ex-PSG Star Needs Time to Adjust at Man United
This summer, Paris Saint-Germain transferred Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United for a reported fee of approximately €50 million, with the possibility of an extra €10 million in bonuses and a 10 percent sell-on clause.
Following Uruguay’s Copa América campaign, Ugarte had no opportunity to prepare for the 2024-25 season. He missed the preseason and did not play in any matches, including PSG’s first three Ligue 1 games.
The transfer from PSG to Manchester United was finalized on the last day of the summer window. Ugarte is now receiving some playing time with the Red Devils, but his performances have been inconsistent thus far.
Ugarte faces criticism following the Red Devils’ underwhelming Matchday 1 in the UEFA Europa League, where they drew 1-1 with FC Twente at Old Trafford this week.
On Friday, football journalist Andy Mitten mentioned that fans should allow the Uruguayan time to adjust and settle in, as it’s unrealistic to expect him to perform at a high level immediately.
“He’s only just arrived, and I think he should be given time,” Mitten said on talkSPORT. “He’s moving to play in another country…What are some people expecting? The new Roy Keane just to come in and start smashing it.
“Some of Manchester United’s greatest players, people who’ve become world-class players, have needed time to settle in. And I don’t think he’s actually done particularly badly. He’s just not been the new Zidane, which he was never going to be. Players need time to settle. It’s a very tough league to play in.”
Arsenal Gains Champions League Boost as PSG Faces Injuries
PSG is facing an injury crisis ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League match against Arsenal at the Emirates.
The Ligue 1 champions struggled to fill their bench on Friday night, naming seven substitutes instead of nine during their 3-1 victory over Stade Rennes at the Parc des Princes. Now, they face an even more significant challenge as they prepare for a strict European away match in north London with what could be a makeshift squad.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has missed the last three matches due to a muscle issue. This may lead to the summer signing of Matvei Safonov starting in goal. Marco Asensio is also out with a thigh injury. New high-profile midfielder Desire Doue has suffered an ankle injury.
Vitinha also missed the victory against Rennes due to a foot injury. At the same time, left-back Nuno Mendes was absent because of illness. Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, and Goncalo Ramos remain sidelined in the long term.
Additionally, PSG had just two senior players—Milan Skriniar and Randal Kolo Muani—on the bench against Rennes. In contrast, young players Ibrahim Mbaye, Senny Mayulu, Yoram Zague, Naoufel El Hannach, and Amau Tenas were all included in the matchday squad.
Enrique emphasized before the match that he would “not be thinking about” the upcoming showdown with Arsenal, suggesting he would not consider resting any players.
However, PSG was leading 3-0 in the second half, thanks to two goals from Bradley Barcola and one from Lee Kang-in, before Arnaud Kalimuendo scored a consolation goal for the visitors. Marquinhos, Barcola, Fabian Ruiz, and Ousmane Dembele were all substituted after securing the game.
Speaking after the match, Enrique gave a brief reply when asked if set pieces might be an issue against the Gunners. The Gunners remain a threat from corners and free kicks, especially after PSG’s shaky conclusion to the game.
Enrique said: ” Football hasn’t been kind to us tonight. Rennes barely had any chances, yet they managed to score from a penalty. It’s frustrating. Negativity seems to be the norm in journalism surrounding PSG. When you compare the stats to last year, everything’s actually improved. But of course, there are questions about those last ten minutes.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal has strengthened its squad. Takehiro Tomiyasu is returning to partial training, while Mikel Merino is nearing a comeback after his shoulder fracture.
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