Louis Saha has identified Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as a player that would vastly improve Manchester United.
Ugarte joined PSG from Sporting Lisbon last summer and immediately impressed for the Ligue 1 side, with his tireless work on the defensive side of the ball earning plaudits from local publications.
Saha was among the many that noticed Ugarte's workrate, and he believes the Uruguayan would be a welcome addition to the United midfield.
Speaking to Betfred, former Red Devils striker Saha assessed Ugarte's maiden campaign with PSG and how a move to Man United would be good for both the player and the club.
“I think he had a good first half of the season at Paris Saint-Germain, especially in Ligue 1," Saha said.
"He’s always ahead and plays comfortable football because there are so many good players at PSG, so In Ligue 1 they always play comfortably and he can’t really be tested.
"It’s only in the Champions League where you get tested as a PSG player and I think that’s where they needed to see him improve. He had a lot of players alongside him such as Vitinha, who just exploded, and [Warren] Zaïre-Emery, so he found it difficult to impose himself in that midfield, but for Manchester United, he’s that type of player that we really need."
Saha listed the characteristics Ugarte would bring to the United midfield, noting that ageing stalwart Casemiro may be less inclined to bring the same qualities to the Red Devils that the 23-year-old PSG star would.
“He’s very strong and has confidence on the ball," Saha said of Ugarte.
"He can go forward with the ball, which is something that Casemiro is less likely to do, and he can provide that quick pass when he recovers the ball, which is very important for the team in transitions. Manchester United didn’t do that last season, we were very slow when trying to create that transition.
“In his first season, Casemiro was providing that and I do believe that Ugarte can provide something similar. I was a big fan of João Palhinha, but he’s gone to Bayern Munich. These players are very crucial for teams competing for titles and [Manchester City's] Rodri is the best in the world in that position currently. He provides so much comfort, but he’s super aggressive when going forward."
Live on DAZN: Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry on July 20. Click here for details.