Manchester United will be hoping to repeat last summer’s success story as they gear up for further squad reinforcements this year. Not only did the Red Devils upgrade their attack and goalkeeping departments, but they also streamlined the squad by orchestrating a mass exodus from the attack.
The departures of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund saw much of the deadwood removed from the squad. The focus this summer is going to be on securing Casemiro’s heir, with the Brazilian set to depart as a free agent after an exceptional campaign.
United have reportedly agreed a deal to make Atalanta midfielder Ederson their first signing of the summer. The Red Devils are now expected to add at least one more midfielder, with Premier League-proven candidates dominating their wish list.
However, the English giants are also looking to cash in on quite a few unwanted stars and raise a significant amount to reinvest in the squad. Recent reports have suggested that Manuel Ugarte is among the players likely to be shown the door.
United missed a trick with Ugarte
United were looking for Casemiro’s long-term replacement when they signed Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2024. It is ironic that the Brazilian ended up relegating the Uruguayan to the bench.
Ugarte’s career never really took off at Old Trafford. Former manager Erik ten Hag, who signed him from the Parisians, left before the end of the year. The Uruguayan was in and out of the first team under the Dutchman’s successor, Ruben Amorim, and his situation went from bad to worse this season.
Even the arrival of Michael Carrick in January as a temporary replacement for the Portuguese head coach failed to improve Ugarte’s situation. The Uruguayan appeared in just seven of the Englishman’s 17 games in charge, only one of which was from the start.
Manuel Ugarte Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 22 | 8 | - | - | 1 | - | 881' |
| FA Cup | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 79' |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | 45' |
| Total | 24 | 10 | - | - | 1 | - | 1,005' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
With Carrick appointed as United’s permanent manager and midfield reinforcement plans already in place, the 25 year old is now surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. Recent reports suggest that Galatasaray are ready to offer Ugarte a lifeline, and it now appears that the Red Devils’ summer activity also depends on his exit.
Anderson/Baleba arrival depends on Ugarte sale
According to the BBC, there’s a belief behind the scenes at Old Trafford that Ugarte is not up to the task of representing United. The report states: “I also get the sense that if Manchester United could do a deal which would see Manuel Ugarte leave the club in some way, shape or form, then that would suit all parties.”
“People behind the scenes certainly feel that he isn’t quite up to it and the reality is that he didn’t play any football from the home defeat to Leeds United right to the end of the season.”
The report goes on to state that Ugarte’s departure could pave the way for the arrival of someone like Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba, adding: “Depending on how much money Manchester United can raise for him, they will then look to put it towards someone like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson or Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.”
United remain hot on the heels of Anderson, although recent reports suggest that Manchester City are in the driving seat in the race. Meanwhile, Baleba has been on the Red Devils’ wish list since last summer, and a move this year cannot be ruled out either.
Final Thoughts
A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that United are willing to let Ugarte leave for just £24 million. With the Uruguayan struggling to come to terms with the rigours of the Premier League, it is in the best interests of all parties that he moves on this summer.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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