Manchester United could sell Manuel Ugarte as Serie A clubs circle
Manchester United signed Manuel Ugarte in August 2024 for an initial fee of €50 million, which rose to about €60 million with add-ons. The Uruguayan signed a five-year contract with the Red Devils, with an option to extend it for an additional year. The 24-year-old played his first match on September 14, 2024 and played a part in 45 matches during his first season in the Manchester United jersey in 2024/25.
The Uruguayan scored in first goal for United during a 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park in February 2025. The defensive midfielder also scored a goal in the quarter-final of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 against Lyon, and helped Red Devils progress to the semi-final.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Uruguayan is still on the radar of Serie A clubs, and United might sell him in 2026. The Red Devils rejected an offer from Italy, although he has struggled to make the position his own in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. Ugarte has not provided what Amorim would have hoped for, and United have been looking for a new defensive midfielder, as Casemiro is also at the fag end of his career.
United should sell Manuel Ugarte if they get a good offer:
Manchester United should definitely sell Ugarte if they get the right offer around €50m. He is talented, but does not fit the tactics that Ruben Amorim is using at Manchester United right now. United have to generate funds with sales to sign their valued targets like Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, who attract a high transfer value.
Ugarte has not worked efficiently for United so far, and hence, potentially selling the defensive midfielder for a good fee when he still has potential in him could help the club secure the signing of someone like Wharton or Baleba. The Cameroon provides press resistance and ball-carrying ability, which is important for relieving pressure and initiating attacks.
Should Ugarte depart, it would create more space and responsibility for Mainoo and allow him to flourish. Mainoo has demonstrated his immense potential, displaying technical skill, vision, and adaptability. Increased playing time in a settled system could accelerate his development into a midfield linchpin for United. While losing a promising player is tough, it could be a strategic step towards building a more cohesive and balanced midfield.