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Man United forced to abandon top midfield target

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Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United are shifting their attention away from Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte after facing a tough negotiation for him

The impasse in negotiation between Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United for Manuel Ugarte has forced the club to look elsewhere. The Red Devils wanted Ugarte to fix their defensive midfield problem and put a worthy midfield partner alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

Last season, United suffered from an injury crisis and poor individual performances in the midfield department leading to severe consequences. While Casemiro and Christian Eriksen struggled with the pace of the Premier League, Mason Mount faced sidelines with constantly nagging injuries.

The situation allowed Mainoo to step up in November and cement his place in the starting eleven despite his age. The youngster’s impressive consistency allowed him to break into the international level and play for England in the Euro 2024.

Manchester United are not willing to match the valuation that PSG has put on Manuel Ugarte.
Manchester United are not willing to match the valuation that PSG has put on Manuel Ugarte.

However, the problems for the English giants remained as they failed to qualify for the Champions League for next season. The Red Devils showed vulnerability in both offensive and defensive phases of the game due to poor midfield combinations.

They left spaces in the channels and between the midfield and the defence while defending the opposition’s attacks. The recurring theme made United concede several goals where the opposition attack managed to exploit the open areas in midfield.

According to the Athletic, PSG want around £51.4m for Ugarte which is the price that they paid last summer. Meanwhile, the Red Devils want the French club to reduce the price after according to the current market value.

The impasse has forced United to look for alternatives to Ugarte as time runs out in the transfer market. The Uruguay international is a proper defensive midfielder with more emphasis on defensive duties than playmaking and dictating possession.

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Ugarte fits the profile that United desires as Mainoo’s partner and any alternative needs to have a similar playing style. The Red Devils are playing Manchester City in the Community Shield during the weekend which commences the new season. United fans are growing impatient with the injury crisis also mounting but they must wait patiently as the club makes the next move.