Manchester United are willing to wait until transfer deadline day to try to sign Manuel Ugarte. There does not have to be any outgoings to finance the deal, although Paris Saint-Germain’s £51m valuation of the Uruguay midfielder is deemed too high by United and There is belief that the French champions may reduce it as the deadline nears.
Ugarte could be purchased now by United should PSG lower their asking price but the manager, Erik ten Hag, and the sporting director, Dan Ashworth, are prepared to bide their time to force a reduction.
United are intent on making more sales before the window closes at 11pm on 30 August. The club would listen to offers for Victor Lindelöf, Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Scott McTominay, among others.
Fulham are interested in McTominay, having lodged a bid of about £20m at the start of the month. Yet United do not need to sell the Scot or any other squad member to finance a deal for Ugarte. It is understood that a move for Sancho to PSG either as a part of a Ugarte transfer or separately is unlikely.
Ten Hag wants the 23‑year‑old Uruguayan to enhance his options in defensive midfield. Personal terms between United and the player are believed to have been agreed and Ugarte was left out of PSG’s 4-1 win at Le Havre in the opening Ligue 1 match on Friday.
Alternative Targets Emerge
Two midfield alternatives have emerged for Manchester United as the Manuel Ugarte transfer saga continues.
United are still in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to bring Ugarte to Old Trafford, but there has, so far, been a gap between the two clubs when it comes to a valuation. The midfielder has been a top target and is said to be keen to join the club after being frozen out by current boss Luis Enrique.
The Manchester Evening News understands there is an expectation in some quarters that a deal will be done before the deadline. But two potential alternatives may have just emerged.
Ilkay Gundogan
Former Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is thought to be exploring his options after asking to leave Barcelona before the end of the window. The 33-year-old joined the Spanish giants on a free transfer last summer, following the expiration of his contract at the Etihad.
He has interest from the Premier League, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. His preferred destination could be a quick return to City after struggling to kick-on following his departure from the club.
Even if United expressed an interest in Gundogan, the midfielder may want to keep his loyalties to his former club. Another player who is set to become available is Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka.
Leon Goretzka
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the German giants have made it clear Goretzka will not be a regular starter under new manager Vincent Kompany this season. However, the player wants to continue at the club and discussions are set to take place with a view to cash in on the 29-year-old.
Erik ten Hag's current options for midfield include Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Scott McTominay, who is linked with a move away. Goretzka would add dynamism to midfield and is also able to play both in a three-man midfield and in a double pivot.
The Germany international has reportedly been a long-standing target of United with reports last summer claiming the club 'never lost focus' on Goretzka following his diminished role under former manager Thomas Tuchel. Elsewhere, the Daily Mail reported a bid has been placed for Burnley's Sander Berge, though it fell short of their £30million valuation.
Ugarte's Situation Remains Unchanged
Manchester United have yet to reach a breakthrough in talks for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who is still hopeful of a summer switch to Old Trafford, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
The Uruguayan’s situation at the Parc des Princes remains unchanged, with clubs yet to advance in talks over the 23-year-old’s desired move to Man United.
According to Romano, United could still boost their pursuit of Ugarte by offloading one of his direct competitors United could still boost their pursuit of Ugarte by offloading one of his direct competitors in the middle of the park before the window shuts on August 30.
So far, the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have failed to attract offers, while United play hardball over Scott McTominay’s potential exit.
The Red Devils have rejected Fulham’s £20m bid for their academy graduate as they continue to demand ‘at least’ £40m, with less than one year remaining on McTominay’s current deal.
United are not considering a loan exit for the Scotsman either and turned down a temporary proposal from Serie A giants Napoli last week, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that United are still looking to reduce PSG’s asking price for Ugarte as another solution for the deal to go through:
“The situation of Manuel Ugarte, who is waiting for Manchester United, but still no breakthrough in talks this weekend for Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United.
“And for Man United, I always told you it's crucial to understand if they can sell at least one midfielder, or if they can be able to reduce the price wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.
“At the moment, the two solutions are still at the same point.”
Reportedly valued at £51m, Ugarte is allowed to depart the Parc des Princes just 12 months after joining from Sporting Lisbon, with PSG keen to recoup a similar amount to what they paid for the Uruguayan in 2023.
Casemiro Shines in United's Opening Win
With a deal for 'world-class' Ugarte stalling, United have been linked with several alternatives to the 23-year-old in recent weeks, including Burnley’s Sander Berge and Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.
The Red Devils have lined up a plethora of costlier options for the Uruguay international, while boss Erik ten Hag has no other choice but to continue trusting his current options in the middle of the park, including Casemiro, who shone in United’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday.
A standout performer in a 1-0 win, the Brazilian was aggressive defensively and played a major part in United’s build-up play, showing he still has plenty to offer this season despite a disappointing previous campaign.
Ugarte Transfer Talk Accelerates
France Info journalist Julien Froment understands that talks between Manchester United and PSG over the transfer of Manuel Ugarte (23) are “accelerating”.
Manchester United’s interest in the Uruguay international has been evident. He has been the priority target as they look to strengthen their options in holding midfield, however, talks with PSG have been difficult. The reigning Ligue 1 champions aren’t opposed to the sale, as evidenced by the purchase of João Neves earlier this month, however, they don’t want to lose out financially on a player that they bought just 12 months ago from Sporting for a €60m fee.
However, whilst reports in England have stated that the Red Devils have been sounding out alternatives, France Info understands that talks with PSG are now “accelerating”. The publication adds that Les Parisiens will not lose out financially in the deal, suggesting that they are confident of recouping the €60m paid last year.
Conclusion: United's Midfield Puzzle
Manchester United's pursuit of Manuel Ugarte is a complex saga that reflects the challenges of navigating the modern transfer market. The club's willingness to wait until deadline day showcases their desire to secure their top target, but the emergence of alternative options highlights the potential for a late twist. The Red Devils are determined to strengthen their midfield, and as the transfer window closes, fans will be eagerly watching to see how this story unfolds.
