- Manchester United midfielder yet to impress
- Manuel Ugarte could be the first United player to depart this summer
- Uruygyan commands interest from numerous clubs
Manchester United are now seriously weighing up the sale of Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who has failed to make a lasting impression at Old Trafford during his 20 months at the club.
While Ugarte has, at times, shown glimpses of his strengths in a United shirt, persistent inconsistencies have ultimately prevented him from establishing himself within the side.
His most recent outing—a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United—saw frustration spill over among supporters, with many voicing their anger across social media and questioning his place in the squad.
Ugarte has simply struggled to deliver on the biggest stage, and it has now led the club to actively consider a sale.
Ugarte on the move
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, “Ugarte is going [leaving Man Utd].”
While nothing has been formally confirmed, minority owner Jim Ratcliffe also wants to move Ugarte on, having reached that conclusion after watching his display against Leeds.
Although it always felt unlikely that Ugarte would win back the majority of supporters, his performance against one of United’s fiercest rivals further eroded what little backing remained.
Ugarte stood out for all the wrong reasons.
He lost possession six times, made just one tackle, and misplaced five passes.
That all came within the opening 45 minutes.
Ugarte’s possible destinations
Despite enduring a difficult spell in Manchester, Ugarte continues to attract interest from a number of clubs prepared to invest in him.
Several Premier League sides—including Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United—have registered interest, while clubs in Italy and Turkey continue to monitor the Uruguayan’s situation closely.
While it remains unlikely that United will recoup anything close to the £43.3 million paid to Paris Saint-Germain, a sale would still provide valuable funds ahead of a pivotal summer window.
With United bracing for a revolving-door transfer window, the club will likely need to recruit two—if not three—midfielders to strengthen the squad for next season.
With Casemiro already confirmed to be departing, United will prioritise signing an energetic, tenacious, box-to-box midfielder capable of shielding the defence, protecting his midfield partners, and offering a consistent threat in the opposition’s box., bodyguard his midfield teammtes whilst also acting as a threat in the opponents’ box.
Elliot Anderson would be the number one choice for United, but it seems that the Nottingham Forest midfielder is preferring a move to the blue side of Manchester.
