Liverpool's decision this summer to turn down the opportunity to sign Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain stands out as one of the more intriguing narratives leading up to their highly anticipated clash against Manchester United. The two teams are set to clash at Anfield, with Liverpool, currently at the top of the Premier League, poised to increase their lead even more against struggling United, who have lost five of their last six league games.
Last summer, as Liverpool searched for reinforcements in their midfield following the unsuccessful pursuit of Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, they were offered Ugarte, who had already fallen out of favor at PSG. While Manchester United eventually secured his services for around £50 million, Liverpool's management, led by their new head coach, Arne Slot, opted to decline this potential transfer. According to Jonathan Northcroft from The Sunday Times, this decision stemmed from Slot's desire for a midfielder whose style mirrored his team's need for creativity rather than just defensive capability.
Slot knew Ryan Gravenberch from their time together at Ajax and felt he could extract the best from him, as evidenced by the Dutch international's excellent performances this season. Gravenberch, who joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich for about £40 million, has emerged as one of the standout players of the Premier League and has proven to be the ideal fit for Slot’s tactical philosophy.
When Liverpool missed out on Zubimendi, the club was faced with the possibility of acquiring Ugarte. Instead, Slot prioritized Gravenberch, focusing on the need for versatility and construction from the midfield rather than pure defensive attributes. "The Dutchman exemplifies Slot’s philosophy. After failing to land Martin Zubimendi, Liverpool were offered Manuel Ugarte, but Slot wanted a constructive, not destructive, No 6 and knew Gravenberch could be the one," Northcroft reported.
At Manchester United, Ugarte's first season has not been without its challenges. Although he has contributed to the team's midfield alongside star players like Bruno Fernandes, the transition from PSG has taken time. Following Ugarte's transfer, Bruno Fernandes lauded him as "unstoppable" after their recent victory against Manchester City, indicating the growing appreciation for Ugarte's contributions.
Despite Ugarte's budding career at United, Liverpool's decision seems increasingly justifiable. Gravenberch's meteoric rise has not just improved Liverpool's midfield but also emphasized the importance of finding players who fit tactically within the system being employed. Jamie Redknapp even compared Gravenberch’s playing style to legendary midfielder Patrick Vieira, highlighting his blend of physicality and technical ability.
With the stakes high as Liverpool prepares to face United this weekend, Ugarte will finally have the opportunity to square off against Gravenberch on the pitch—two of Europe's promising talents aligned against each other, reflecting their respective clubs' differing philosophies on player selection.
Liverpool's management, having made the right call to trust Gravenberch at this juncture, is confident heading to Anfield, bolstered by their current standings and recent form under Slot. They aim to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table even more with another potential win against their arch-rivals.
Although Ugarte’s development may bring him stronger performances over time, Slot's choice to back Gravenberch will remain key to Liverpool's early season success. Fans excitedly await the start of what promises to be another thrilling chapter between these two illustrious clubs.