Manchester United’s midfield needs serious reinforcements in the summer, with two of their current stars expected to depart at the end of the season.
Casemiro has already announced he will be leaving upon the expiration of his contract, and even though the United fanbase and his own teammates want him to stay, a change of heart is not expected.
Manuel Ugarte, who was signed as the Brazilian‘s successor, has endured a nightmare spell at Old Trafford and even the arrival of his former Sporting CP mentor, Ruben Amorim, failed to reignite his United career.
Chances have continued to elude the Uruguayan under caretaker head coach Michael Carrick, and the defensive midfielder is keen to leave before the World Cup.
Manuel Ugarte in demand despite poor United form
Multiple clubs, both in England and across Europe, are eyeing his signature, with Juventus leading the race. Given his form for his national team, it makes a lot of sense.
They have scouted him extensively, and with United ready to offload him, it should have made for an easy opportunity to sign the 24-year-old.
However, according to TuttoSport, the Bianconeri do not have the requisite funds to land him outright this summer. The United No.25 is valued at €30 million as per Transfermarkt, with the English giants having bought him from Paris Saint-Germain for €50 million.
Instead, Juve are ready to offer a loan deal with an option to buy. United might have been open to the possibility but the Italian giants are not even willing to pay the Uruguay international’s full wages. They would prefer if United paid a part of it.
Juventus’ offer for Manuel Ugarte revealed
“Ottolini is also eyeing Manuel Ugarte, an intriguing midfield option. Born in 2001, he is owned by Manchester United, who pay him €4 million per season.
“It’s impossible to imagine giving him a much lower salary, so he already has a solid starting point. Any evaluation will hinge on the Red Devils’ willingness to loan him out with an option to buy, after two difficult years for Ugarte in the Premier League, where he never really made an impact.
“Juve liked him in the past, but he can’t be a priority today, despite the excellent relationship between Comolli and Mendes.”
Such an obnoxious offer needs to be thrown in the dustbin, especially as Manuel Ugarte is generating interest in Spain, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. It will be interesting to see which team ultimately lands him, and how much United make off the eventual deal.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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