While Amad Diallo has grabbed the headlines, Troy Deeney believes Manuel Ugarte was the “catalyst” in Man Utd’s comeback against Man City.
The Red Devils went 1-0 down to a goal from Josko Gvardiol as they entered the final minutes away to neighbors Manchester on Sunday.
The Euro giants are on the alert for the transfer of the Man United star rejected by Ruben Amorim!
However, Diallo won a penalty that was converted by Bruno Fernandes in the 88th minute, before going on to score the winner just two minutes later.
Diallo has naturally taken center stage for his decisive performance in the game.
However, behind him, Ugarte was key to keeping United at their most difficult points in the game.
The Uruguayan completed 39 of his 41 passes and created one chance. More importantly, he kept Man City at bay with four tackles, two interceptions, a clearance and a recovery, while winning six of 13 ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels.
Manuel Ugarte draws attention in Man Utd’s derby win
Deeney has chosen Ugarte in his BBC Team of the Week thanks to their ‘awful’ run and proving the ‘catalyst’ in United’s derby win.
“I was very, very surprised,” Deeney said. “I know it’s still early days with the new coach, but Ugarte has a bit of a bite to him. It’s a bit horrific and even at 1-0 down he was making big tackles, blocking and starting attacks.
“I thought he was the catalyst for why they won. I thought if it wasn’t for him, they really wouldn’t be in the game. An underrated performance that only his teammates will appreciate.”
Next up for Man Utd is Tottenham Hotspur away in the EFL Cup on Thursday before they host Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The publication ‘It’s a bit awful’: BBC pundit shocked by what he’s seen of Man Utd player appeared first Caught offside.
