- Manchester United set to offload major names this summer
- Ugarte close to leaving Old Trafford
- Uruguayan considered biggest INEOS flop
Since INEOS took charge of football operations at Manchester United in 2024, they have played a part in bringing eleven players to Old Trafford.
Over the course of two summers, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has attempted to shift away from the old hierarchy’s way of working. The last time that the Reds signed a ‘superstar’ name was Casemiro in 2022, who will aptly be leaving this summer.
The Brazilian was on the chopping block in an interview by Ratcliffe early last year, described as “overpaid” alongside other names.
Movement Around Ugarte Departure
| INEOS signings at Manchester United | Season bought |
| Leny Yoro | 2024/25 |
| Manuel Ugarte | 2024/25 |
| Matthijs De Ligt | 2024/25 |
| Joshua Zirkzee | 2024/25 |
| Patrick Dorgu | 2024/25 |
| Noussair Mazraoui | 2024/25 |
| Ayden Heaven | 2024/25 |
| Benjamin Sesko | 2025/26 |
| Bryan Mbuemo | 2025/26 |
| Matheus Cunha | 2025/26 |
| Senne Lammens | 2025/26 |
According to Fabrizio Romano via UtdReport, some movements have already started to offload Manuel Ugarte this summer.
The midfielder arrived at Old Trafford for a base fee of £42.1m from Paris Saint-Germain. His contract does not expire until 2029. This give the club a leg to stand on when it comes to recouping some of the fee they paid.
Although, Ugarte has not played much football this season for the Reds, after falling out of favour with then-manager Ruben Amorim. Kobbie Mainoo’s reintroduction to the side meant that interim boss Michael Carrick has been able to trust the Mainoo-Casemiro partnership in every game of his tenure so far.
The 24 year-old has started just seven Premier League games this season, playing 791 minutes of league football.
Romano was also speaking about his YouTube channel regarding United arrivals. The transfer guru claimed that Casemiro’s departure does ‘guarantee’ one midfield signing. However, a second midfielder is ‘almost becoming a guarantee’ due to the news around Ugarte.
‘Worst’ Signing by INEOS
The other contender to the title of ‘worst’ signing under the INEOS co-ownership is forward Joshua Zirkzee. However, the 24 year-old has made a considerable impact on games for United, playing across multiple positions.
Last season, the Dutchman scored a winner in his debut game under Erik ten Hag and scored seven goals in all competitions. In 2025/26, he has saved United from an embarassing defeat to Wolves and been trusted by Carrick to close out games.
The same cannot be said about Ugarte. Since Carrick’s appointment, he has played just 65 minutes of league football. In comparison, his recent callup for Uruguay saw him play 177 minutes against England and Algeria alone.
The trust between the player and club is almost dead in the water. It feels like the opportune time to move on for both parties. The saving grace is that Ugarte is still trusted by his nation, which will give him a platform to ‘sell’ himself at the 2026 World Cup.
Several suitors from Turkey, Italy and even the Premier League have been identified as the next destination. When the dust is settled on his Old Trafford career, he will best be described as INEOS’ first flop signing.
