According to Le Parisien, Manchester United are closing in on the transfer of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. The Red devils have been following the Uruguayan since last year and have made him their priority to bolster their midfield this transfer window. The Premier league giants have also scouted alternatives like Sander Berge and Youssouf Fofana.
United have reached a verbal agreement with the player for the transfer. A loan with obligation to buy is the most likely outcome at this stage. The Red Devils would prefer to sign him permanently, however his £51.5m price tag is repelling them.
If the Uruguay international is signed, either Casemiro or Scott McTominay could be sold. Manager Erik Ten Hag would like to create a midfield partnership with Kobie Mainoo for the future. However, the former Real Madrid midfielder, Casemiro, is also keen on staying and fighting for his position.
United have completed the signings of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and former Bayern Munich duo, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui so far. They have not stopped yet and want to add few more signings to bolster their squad to compete with major rivals Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Man United are determined to get the deal done for Ugarte over the line before deadline.
Manuel Ugarte : Next Roy Keane at Old Trafford?
Manuel Ugarte has been pushing for a move to Manchester United this season. The player felt that he is not in PSG manager Luis Enrique’s plans prompting him to switch to another club. Both the parties are optimistic about this deal and are hoping to seal it before 30th August, 2024.
The player is pushing for a move to Old Trafford this summer. Man United have also sold Facundo Pellistri to Panathinaikos and Hannibal Mejbri to Burnley to accommodate Ugarte. Departures will help the club free up unnecessary wages and bring in new players.
The French champions are also interested to complete the deal as they want to free up wages and make some profit. The youngster would like to create a midfield partnership with United prospect Kobie Mainoo. Casemiro was very inconsistent last season, prompting the club to search for a new defensive anchor.
Manuel Ugarte is a warrior on the pitch. He is great at winning aerial duels and possession from the opponents. He is considered one of the best ball recoverers at his young age. Last season in the middle of the park United found themselves exposed quite often and found themselves in embarrassing situations. The arrival of the “Next Roy Keane” could improve it. He excelled for Uruguay in the Copa America and reached the Semi-final.
Manchester United and Uruguay legend Diego Forlan believes that Ugarte would be able to settle in the Premier league atmosphere. He says;
“He is very important in the middle to free Valverde and Bentancur. Defensively he adds a lot. If I were a coach, I would love to put Ugarte in the middle.”
Chelsea star might be heading to Man United this summer
Chelsea have suggested Ben Chilwell to find a new club as he would struggle to find minutes at Stamford Bridge. The left-back was left out of the squad for the Premier League opener against Manchester City. He has been offered to the Red Devils. Man United do require a left back to provide back up to Luke Shaw. The club officials have highlighted Chilwell as an option because of his immense potential.
Manager Enzo Maresca addressed this issue. He says;
“We have a big squad and it’s impossible to give all of them minutes. If they are looking for minutes it’s better for them to leave. With Chilly, he’s lovely guy, but I said he is going to struggle with his position. It’s not brutal, it’s just honest.”
Chilwell might move to Old Trafford, following in the footsteps of former Blues teammate Mason Mount. The Englishman currently has two years left on his Chelsea deal. Since signing from Leicester in 2020 he’s earned 106 caps for the Blues. He has scored 4 goals and provided 11 assists for the club. However, injuries have sidelined him for most part of the season last year.
The Red Devils were linked with Ben Chilwell last year because of their desperate need for a left back. Man United will face Brighton on 24th August, Saturday. Erik Ten Hag and co. will be keen on continuing the winning streak.
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