The Uruguay midfielder has enjoyed a strong November thus far, earning plaudits for an excellent performance against Leicester City in the 3-0 league victory that preceded the international break.
Now on duty with his nation, Manuel showed composure and quality in the area to score a stunningly late winner for La Celeste in a World Cup qualifier. Ugarte had been named on the bench but played the decisive role after Colombia had equalised themselves in the sixth minute of added time. The goal earned Uruguay an important three points to leapfrog their opponents in CONMEBOL’s standings.