Manuel Ugarte is facing an uncertain future at Manchester United just months after arriving at the club. The midfielder was signed as a long-term solution, but things have not gone according to plan.
United are now planning a major midfield rebuild ahead of next season. With Casemiro expected to leave, the club is already targeting two new central midfielders.
Transfer News Live already revealed that Matheus Cunha has hinted at the possibility of a U-turn from Casemiro.
However, they are also open to adding a third option if the right opportunity arises. Because of that, Ugarte has become a player they are willing to move on from.
The club is not actively pushing him out in public, but according to Samuel Luckhurst, their preference is to sell him this summer. There is also a financial angle behind this decision.
Ugarte joined in a deal worth £50.75 million, and United would need to receive at least £25.26 million to avoid a loss under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.
But according to reports, Manchester United are prepared to sell Ugarte less than two years after signing him as they look to reshape their midfield options.
His performances have not helped his case. The 25-year-old has started only ten games this season. In those matches, United have lost six and won just once.
Since the 2-1 defeat to Leeds three weeks ago, he has not started a single game. In fact, he has remained an unused substitute in wins against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool.
During that period, Casemiro has stepped up. The veteran midfielder has completed 90 minutes in four consecutive games, something he had not managed earlier in the season.
Manager Michael Carrick has publicly backed Ugarte, insisting he is not concerned about his form. However, his selections suggest otherwise.
United have already been exploring alternatives. Players like Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali, Adam Wharton and Alex Scott have all on their list of targets.
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