- Manchester United look to offload the midfielder
- Manuel Ugarte is yet to live up to his potential
- How much United could get for him
Manuel Ugarte’s 20-month spell at Manchester United has proven underwhelming. Signed as Erik ten Hag’s third-choice midfield option in the summer of 2024, the move felt more like an INEOS-led decision than a tactically tailored addition.
In fact, among INEOS’s 12 signings, Ugarte stands out as the clearest misstep, while even the second-worst signing, Joshua Zirkzee, manages to impress in flashes.
Despite limited minutes and underwhelming performances when called upon, Ugarte remains an in-demand profile ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Two disappointing campaigns have eroded his stock, and United are unlikely to recoup the £43 million they paid for him, but any sale would free up funds to secure a new midfielder.
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Ugarte Must be Sold
Regardless of the Uruguayan’s performances in a United shirt, the club should view Ugarte as a disposable asset this summer for two reasons. The club reportedly want to sell Ugarte to fund the arrival of a third midfielder in the summer transfer window, per The Sun.
To avoid a loss under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, United would need to sell the midfielder for at least £25.26m, just over half of the original fee.
As already noted, Ugarte’s value has declined since his arrival at the club. Even minority owner Jim Ratcliffe admitted he wanted to move the midfielder on after watching his performance against Leeds United in the Premier League.
That, however, does not necessarily define him as a poor player. At Sporting Club and Paris Saint-Germain, Ugarte showed promising qualities, and at times, he has offered glimpses of that level at United.
The issue is consistency—those moments have come too infrequently. With a World Cup summer ahead for both him and Uruguay, Ugarte could generate renewed interest and remind potential suitors of his capabilities.
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Clubs Keen on Ugarte
Interest remains widespread. Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur continue to monitor his situation in the Premier League, while Juventus and Galatasaray are also tracking developments from abroad.
Both Atletico Madrid and Napoli have also registered interest in the Uruguayan, opening the door to a potential bidding war should those clubs formalise their intent.
If Napoli were to secure the midfielder, they would assemble a familiar core for United supporters. They already have three former United players on their books, with Rasmus Hojlund and Romelu Lukaku leading the line, while Scott McTominay anchors the midfield.
The Scot is thriving in Italy following his departure, winning Serie A MVP alongside the league title and finishing 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings. With Kevin De Bruyne also at the club, Napoli appear to be constructing something resembling a composite Manchester side.
With a multitude of clubs preparing bids for Ugarte, United have a strong chance of recouping at least some of their outlay. The Red Devils will target a fee in the mid-to-high £30m range, and will likely reinvest it immediately into another midfielder.
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