“Once he’s playing and his fitness is better” - Paul Scholes picks ‘best’ partner for Manuel Ugarte after he shines for Manchester United at Anfield

Paul Scholes has stated that Kobbie Mainoo has to be the best partner for Manuel Ugarte in the Manchester United midfield. He believes that the duo can do well for Ruben Amorim's side and they showed their capabilities against Liverpool.

Speaking on Premier League productions, Scholes stated that Casemiro and Christian Eriksen were also capable of partnering with Ugarte in the middle of the pitch. However, he believes that the best partner for the Uruguayan would be Mainoo and said:

"Yeah, he has to be and I think all them [Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo] are capable of playing with him. I think Mainoo would be the best one once he’s right, once he’s playing and his fitness is better. Partnerships all over the pitch are important and you look at Manchester United, you don’t really see any partnerships, you don’t see links between players, you don’t see a link between a midfielder and a forward. Ugarte and another one are more than capable of playing for that team. And not just Ugarte for his legs… I even think his quality on the ball, it surprised me a little bit because I did see a bit of him at PSG."

Manchester United drew 2-2 at Liverpool on Sunday night, but are still 13th in the league table. Liverpool remain at the top of the table but have their lead cut short.

Manchester United legend surprised by Manuel Ugarte

Paul Scholes admitted that Manuel Ugarte surprised him at Anfield. He claimed that the Manchester United star impressed against Liverpool and was brilliant at both ends of the pitch. He said:

"He’s probably done better than I thought he would do. He [Amorim] said before that Ugarte did well for him at Sporting Lisbon, as a really young player as well so he knows him. This lad is really growing in confidence. I thought he took up some great positions, he helped defensively, he helped with the attack and I thought he had the composure to take the ball as well. It looks to me like it has to be him with another."

Manchester United signed Manuel Ugarte from PSG for over £50 million in the summer. The Red Devils have not been in good form this season and have won just once in the last five league games.