Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay began 2024 as the in-form international team with victories over Argentina and Brazil. The year did not hit the heights they hoped, beaten in the Copa America semi-finals by Colombia, and more recently, defeated by Peru in World Cup qualifying. Both losses had something in common, Manuel Ugarte played both matches at centre-back. The Manchester United midfielder had to fill-in at the position in their recent qualifier, a 1-0 loss against Conmebol strugglers Peru. Manuel Ugarte praised despite lossManuel Ugarte was praised by Marcelo Bielsa despite Uruguay’s loss, while…