Manuel Ugarte has revealed that he was convinced to join Manchester United by Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and the recently sold Facundo Pellistri.
Erik ten Hag made the Uruguayan his fifth signing of the summer - after deals for the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee - once it became apparent that a new holding player was required. The deal was not a straightforward one, though, as disagreements over a fee dragged the move out before a £42.2million (potentially rising to £50.7m) move was struck.
Personal terms were reportedly never an issue, though, and that could be down to the trio of Red Devils players with whom Ugarte spoke to before making the move.
"Before coming here I spoke a lot with Bruno and Licha (Lisandro). I also spoke a lot with Facu Pellistri," Ugarte admitted to the club's media. "I'm really looking forward to it, but I also realise that this is a big responsibility and I'm ready for it.
"I've never seen anything like this before, fans have been sending me messages since the first news came out. I think these fans deserve to see the club win titles and that's what we hope to achieve."
Asked elsewhere about his reasons for joining the club, the Uruguayan cited the club's history as well as influential peers: "Well, first and foremost, it’s history because we all know what a massive club United is," Ugarte said. "I also spoke a lot with Facu Pellistri.
"He told me everything, that the atmosphere that’s generated the match day at Old Trafford is incredible. Being a part of where so many football legends have played.
"I’ve also spoken with some players. With Bruno and Licha. We have chatted a lot. So yes, I’m really excited and more than anything very eager. I obviously know it’s a great responsibility and I’m ready for it."
After being convinced to join, Ugarte arrived too late to feature in the club's drubbing against Liverpool. But he did make his first-team debut in their next match - a much more positive 3-0 win over Southampton.
His first start came in the League Cup, where he was partnered next to the man he has been tipped to ultimately replace, Casemiro. The 23-year gained plaudits for a composed and assured performance and was replaced after 62 minutes in a 7-0 win against Barnsley.