- Two more sides are interested in Manchester United midfielder
- Manuel Ugarte has failed to impress during his United stint
- Where could he be headed?
Interest in Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte continues to intensify as the summer transfer window draws closer, with two more clubs entering the race for his signature.
Despite limited minutes and underwhelming performances, the Uruguayan remains a surprisingly in-demand profile ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
His stock has not risen in Manchester, but across Europe, clubs still value the defensive intensity and ball-winning traits that once made him such a coveted asset.
Unfortunately, for both Ugarte and Manchester United, the move has never quite aligned. Signed as Erik ten Hag’s third-choice midfield option in the summer of 2024, the transfer felt more like a decision driven by INEOS rather than a tactically tailored addition.
While INEOS have largely impressed in the market, Ugarte stands out as a signing that has failed to meet expectations.
Ugarte on the move
According to Uruguayan journalist Rodri Vazquez, Ugarte’s time at Old Trafford is nearing its conclusion. His representative, Jorge Chijane, is set to meet Jorge Mendes in an effort to accelerate his departure.
Vazquez also reports that Atletico Madrid and Napoli are leading the chase, with United hoping to recoup at least €28 million (approximately £24 million) as they look to reinvest directly into midfield reinforcements.
Napoli, in particular, are quietly assembling a familiar core. The Italian side already boast several former United players, forming something of a reimagined spine.
Scott McTominay remains the standout. The Scot enjoyed a remarkable campaign following his departure, winning Serie A MVP alongside the league title, and even finishing 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
He is joined by striking duo Romelu Lukaku and Rasmus Hojlund, further strengthening Napoli’s United-infused core.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are targeting midfield reinforcements ahead of a renewed title push. Should they fall short in the Champions League again, their wait for major silverware will stretch further, with their last triumph dating back to 2020.
Beyond those two, interest remains widespread. Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring the situation in the Premier League, while Juventus and Galatasaray are also keeping close tabs from abroad.
INEOS’s only failure?
Among INEOS’s signings, Ugarte arguably stands alone as the most underwhelming. It remains too early to pass judgment on Diego Leon, while Joshua Zirkzee, despite inconsistency, has at least shown glimpses of his potential and could yet force his way into contention.
Ugarte, however, has not done enough to justify his €50 million (approximately £43 million) price tag.
Even minority owner Jim Ratcliffe appears to have reached a definitive conclusion, reportedly making his decision after watching Ugarte’s performance in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds.
United now seem intent on parting ways swiftly, with his sale expected to play a key role in financing what is shaping up to be a significant summer rebuild.
