Ugarte confident of better second season at Man Utd

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is confident he will give a better account of himself in his second season in the Premier League.

United paid £50.8m to sign Ugarte from Paris St-Germain last August.

However, the Uruguay international struggled badly, even after the November arrival of Ruben Amorim, who he played under at Portuguese club Sporting.

While he made 45 appearances in his debut United campaign, Ugarte failed to halt the club's slide to a disastrous 15th-placed finish.

He did not merit a starting spot for the Europa League final defeat by Tottenham and was not called upon as United desperately searched for an equaliser in the final stages.

It was a damning indictment of a player who was supposed to be the midfield anchor to allow others to express themselves and at odds with his outstanding performances at last year's Copa America, when he was selected in the team of the tournament.

Ugarte impressed at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, when he started the friendly win against West Ham in midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

"Last year we made some changes," said the 24-year-old. "We changed our coach, we changed our formation. We got to know the Premier League.

"This year I am good. I am very excited.

"I know the league, I know our rivals, I know my team-mates. All of this is important. Sometimes the connections take time.

"You have to have responsibilities when you play for United. It is important to perform well at this club."