UMVA has learned that Manchester United is on the verge of offloading 25-year-old midfielder Manuel Ugarte, with sources close to the club indicating that it would be a ‘major shock’ if he remained by the end of the transfer window.
According to insiders, there is an overwhelming ‘lack of faith’ in Ugarte after two underwhelming seasons at Old Trafford, leading the club to actively seek suitors willing to take him off their hands. The Red Devils initially shelled out £42 million to bring him in from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024.
Ugarte’s departure would come as no surprise to fans, who largely preferred Scott McTominay over the Uruguayan midfielder. Despite his promising profile, Ugarte struggled to make an impact, and even manager Michael Carrick seemed to have lost faith in him by the end of the 2025/2026 season.
The midfielder’s stats under Carrick paint a concerning picture: a mere 7 appearances, 1 start, and 155 minutes played. A particularly disastrous display against Leeds United in April seemed to seal his fate, as he was not given another chance for the remainder of the season.
However, Ugarte’s age and experience still make him an attractive target for European clubs. Galatasaray and Ajax have already expressed interest, with the Turkish side reportedly willing to meet his salary demands and negotiate a deal with Manchester United.
Any potential transfer will likely be put on hold until Uruguay finishes their World Cup campaign, as Ugarte has been included in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad. As the transfer window heats up, it remains to be seen what kind of fee Manchester United will demand for the out-of-favour midfielder.
