On Thursday, Manchester United face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Europa League last 16.
The second-tier European competition is the only one the Red Devils can win this season following their exit from the FA Cup at the weekend.
Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte had a chat with El Espectador Deportes’ Convocados and ESPN Deportes have relayed his comments.
The Uruguay international has expressed his disappointment over the Red Devils’ difficult season.
Manchester United have struggled in the league even since Ruben Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s successor in November. They are currently 14th in the table with 33 points from 27 games.
Since the Portuguese coach’s arrival, the Red Devils have been knocked out of the EFL Cup and the FA Cup by Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham respectively. Ugarte now insists he and his teammates have to aim for Europa League success.
“This season has not been the best, we all know that. The focus has to be on Thursday, the Europa League is the competition. I’m not saying we are obliged to, but it would be nice to win it. We are all thinking about that match [against Sociedad],” he said.
The 23-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain towards the end of last summer and made 32 appearances. Despite Manchester United’s struggles, he is enjoying life in England.
“I don’t know if it is the best moment, but I feel good, confident and I am playing. I have more freedom to get into the area now,” Ugarte explained.
“I’m enjoying on a personal level, although on a collective level it isn’t the best moment, but we have to keep working.”
The former Sporting man scored his first goal for Manchester United in their 2-2 draw against Everton last month.
“They are all memories that I’ll keep. It is encouraging me to do those things. Sometimes I just shoot or go forward, but this is a confirmation and gives me confidence to try to score a goal in every game,” he added.
