- Manchester United owner wants midfielder gone
- Made his mind during the Leeds game
- Uruygyan has not hit the ground running for the club
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made his decision on Manuel Ugarte, with the Uruguayan midfielder now deemed surplus to requirements as the club looks to generate funds ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Ugarte has failed to truly establish himself at Manchester United over his 20 months at the club, and United will now look to recoup what they can to strengthen their midfield options.
With Casemiro already confirmed to be departing, United must bring in at least two midfielders—one to replace the Brazilian as the engine of the side, and another to provide depth and competition for Kobbie Mainoo.
Should Ugarte also leave, that requirement rises to three, placing midfield firmly at the top of United’s summer agenda as they prepare for a return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2023.
The Red Devils sit within touching distance of qualification for Europe’s premier competition, and with that comes a significant increase in fixtures—demanding greater squad depth not only for rotation, but also to mitigate injuries across a long campaign.
United will play just 40 matches throughout the 2025/26 season—their lowest total since 1915/16—but should they reach the quarter-finals of all competitions next year, that number could rise to 59.
Ratcliffe Green Lights Ugarte Sale
According to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, Ratcliffe reached his conclusion after watching Ugarte’s display in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United. While it always seemed unlikely that Ugarte would win back the majority of supporters, his performance against one of United’s fiercest rivals was enough to erode what little backing remained.
The Uruguayan stood out for all the wrong reasons. Sloppy in possession, he lost the ball six times, made just one tackle, and misplaced five passes. And that was only across the opening 45 minutes.
The midfielder has begun to look like a liability within the side. While limited minutes under Michael Carrick could account for some rust, this went beyond that.
This was not rustiness—it was a lack of composure and sharpness, with numerous fans reacting to the display by labelling him as one of the poorest seen at the club in recent years. A weak link in a midfield that has otherwise shown signs of cohesion over the past few months.
Where Could Ugarte Go?
Despite his struggles, Ugarte continues to attract interest from several clubs willing to take a chance on his potential. While they are unlikely to match the €50 million United originally paid, there remains a market for the midfielder.
At just 25 years old, there is still clear upside—just not within the current United project.
Several Premier League sides—including Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United—have shown interest, while clubs in Italy and Turkey have also made enquiries.
A move abroad may ultimately suit the Uruguayan better, with his profile arguably more suited to leagues played at a slower, more controlled tempo.
