Manuel Ugarte speaks out on his fitness after Uruguay start, explains one problem he has had in recent weeks

Ugarte did play a prominent role at the Copa America, so needed a little rest. Now back with his national side, Ugarte was straight back into the Uruguay starting line-up against Paraguay.

Uruguay played 79 minutes in the 0-0 draw, which keeps Uruguay in second place in Conmebol’s World Cup qualifying table.

Manuel Ugarte speaks on fitness

Erik ten Hag preached caution after Manuel Ugarte’s arrival, suggesting he could take a while to get up to full fitness.

Ugarte explained last week he felt good, and Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa agreed, selecting him as a starter in an intense game against Paraguay.

Bielsa praised Ugarte’s performance, and speaking after the 0-0 draw, the new Manchester United midfielder gave an update on how he felt he coped.

Manuel Ugarte told ESPN: “I felt good physically during the match against Paraguay.”

He added: “It was a bit of a strange, dirty game. I think we didn’t play very well. We could have won and we could have lost. I think we dominated in general terms, but we could have played much better.”

Manuel Ugarte on mental tax

Manuel Ugarte did say there had been one issue troubling him. The new Manchester United signing explained that there has been a mental toll on him, due to the draining impact of the long transfer saga.

Ugarte said: “I tried not to live it with much anxiety, but sometimes it is very difficult.

“It was a long wait and sometimes I was overwhelmed by anxiety , although these are things that we players have to live with and manage.”

He did add that he feels good now, commenting: “Now that it has been resolved, I am very happy.”

Ugarte has one more match for Uruguay in the early hours of Wednesday. This does ask the question whether Ugarte will quite be ready for United’s next Premier League match on early Saturday.

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