Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount expected to return next round, but Manchester United’s €60 million midfield signing may face bench again! Passing skills mocked

Following the 1-1 stalemate with Leeds United, coach Rúben Amorim mentioned that captain Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Mason Mount are expected to return for the upcoming Burnley fixture. This would help alleviate the Red Devils’ player availability crisis. Bruno, Mount, and other injured United players watched the game from the stands at Elland Road, given the close proximity of the two clubs’ home venues.

Bruno suffered a thigh injury during the away match at Aston Villa on December 21, and five days later, Mount was forced off at halftime against Newcastle United at home. Initially, Bruno was expected to be sidelined for about a month, but the Portuguese international, nicknamed the “Iron Man,” appears to have shortened his recovery time significantly. Before the 1-1 draw at Wolves, Bruno had already resumed training. Since joining Manchester United, he has only missed six matches due to injury, with this current setback accounting for three of those absences.

Amorim said both players might be substitutes for the Wednesday away game at Burnley. “We’re focusing on the match and preparing with the players we have. I hope Bruno and Mason get some playing time, but it depends on the situation at that moment,” Amorim explained. “So, we have two high-quality players potentially joining us, and they will definitely help the team succeed.”

When asked if Bruno and Mason are confirmed to feature at Turf Moor, Amorim replied, “We’ll assess the situation then.”

For the midweek Burnley match, African Cup of Nations participants Mazraoui and Mbemou will definitely be absent. Morocco and Cameroon have both reached the quarterfinals but face each other next round, meaning one of them will return to Manchester United after the January 9 Saturday quarterfinal. Amad Diallo’s Ivory Coast will compete against Burkina Faso on Tuesday, January 6, for another quarterfinal spot.

If Bruno and Mason return to the lineup, it spells bad news for Manchester United’s Uruguayan midfielder, Ugarte. Bruno would partner Casemiro in the midfield of a 3-4-3 formation, while Mason would occupy a forward position, relegating Ugarte back to the bench. Unless Amorim switches to a 4-2-3-1 and places Bruno in the number 10 role, Ugarte’s chances of starting before Amad Diallo and Mbemou return from the African Cup of Nations are slim.

Ugarte, who cost €60 million, has performed well defensively in the last three matches, but his passing remains limited, as was evident during pre-match warm-ups. A video showed the Uruguayan international struggling with basic 10-meter passing drills with teammates, revealing questionable technique.

Lisandro Martínez consistently delivered ground passes to Ugarte, who could manage acceptable quality when controlling before passing. However, when passing directly without control, he frequently sent the ball too high. Fans joked, “He’s not passing, he’s throwing grenades.”

Fortunately, during matches, Ugarte utilized his physical strength effectively, winning a match-high 10 duels and making 6 tackles. After the game, Rúben Amorim, who coached Ugarte at Sporting CP, defended his player: “Manuel (Ugarte) played better than before, and I’m happy for him.”

Manchester United plans to revamp their midfield this summer. If 24-year-old Ugarte cannot improve his technical and tactical skills, he may ultimately be offloaded. Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray are interested and have sent fellow Uruguayan Lucas Torreira as an envoy to persuade him to transfer.

Turkish media report that Galatasaray wants to loan Ugarte first, covering his entire salary, with a €25 million buyout clause at season’s end. Ugarte is open to a move, but the two conditions fail to satisfy Manchester United. Currently, Amorim has no available midfielders and cannot afford to release Ugarte, while the club demands a €40 million transfer fee.