- Manuel Ugarte is ‘frustrated’ at Manchester United
- A lack of game time is proving an issue
- Chances of leaving in the summer
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of game-time at the club this season.
According to an exclusive report from CentreDevils, the Uruguayan midfielder has grown increasingly unhappy at Manchester United. A summer exit could be on the cards if the right offer comes in.
Earlier in March, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Italian clubs have shown interest in the former PSG player. He said: “There are clubs in Italy considering the possibility to go for Ugarte. So there is some interest from Italy.”
A Summer Reshuffle Awaits
United are already expected to reshuffle their midfield ahead of Casemiro’s impending exit this summer. The club have rotated between the Fletcher twins and Ugarte as central midfield options from the bench. Interim manager Michael Carrick has settled for a successful partnership between Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro as his first choice.
The lack of games for United makes it harder for rotational players to step in and make their mark. It is only in cases of injury that players have been able to do so, such as Leny Yoro. Ugarte has failed to make an impression under Carrick and has not started a game under the Englishman yet.
Ugarte arrived at United in the summer of 2024 with high expectations. He was sold by PSG for a deal worth up to £50.5m. It is quite viable that United move for two central midfielders this summer. Several players have been linked, such as Elliott Anderson, Joao Gomes, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali.
If United went all out for Sandro Tonali in particular, they would need to pay a British record fee. That would require sales, and Ugarte’s name would be among the first on that list. It would be difficult for the club to recoup a similar fee, but getting his name off the wage bill could be enough to convince INEOS to move on from the Uruguayan.
Amorim’s Sacking Sealed Ugarte Fate
The writing has been on the wall for Ugarte for some time now. The sacking of Ruben Amorim almost sealed the deal, which fans had hoped could get the best out of him. Ugarte played under Amorim at Sporting CP.
Even Amorim had lost faith in the player. The Portuguese manager called Ugarte out in front of teammates during the 2024/25 season for his work rate. That would hurt the confidence of any player, let alone one whom the manager was expected to get the best out of in England.
Ugarte is undoubtedly a talented ball-winner on his day. However, the speed and physical demands of the Premier League seem to have passed him by. He was error-prone earlier in the season, with his lack of mobility contributing to turnovers that led to goals.
For a player who has struggled to adapt to the tactical demands of three different United managers, a move to a league like Serie A could be the move that he needs to reignite his career once again.
