Manchester United are the ones making all the noise in the transfer market at the moment. Under the new leadership of INEOS, the club’s football side has taken a drastic turn.
Red Devils Rampaging Through Transfer Market
Since the appointments of new CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Dan Ashworth, the Red Devils have been moving with an alarming speed and efficiency in the transfer market, the like of which has not been seen from United for a long time. The club hierarchy had been notorious for taking their time to complete deals, often ending up making panic buys late in the transfer window and paying over the odds to secure the services of players. However, this transfer window has seen a sudden change of guard, with United already completing two signings before the end of July.
Both signings have been impressive, especially the most recent capture of 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro, who has been highly touted to be one of the best center-backs in the world. With the signing of striker Joshua Zirkzee also completed, it is clear that the new United management is well organized, coherent, and systematic.
Fans also praised the club for walking away from the deal for Jarrad Branthwaite after Everton slapped an exorbitant price on the youngster and instead completed the signing of Yoro, beating giants Real Madrid to the prize. Now the club is back in the transfer market for a third signing, with PSG and Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte being sized up for a move to Old Trafford.
Ugarte to United: The Deal That Could Change Everything
Manuel Ugarte has been tipped for a move away from French club Paris St. Germain after putting up impressive performances for the club and country. The Red Devils have identified the 23-year-old midfielder as a suitable option in the middle of the park and are working towards putting up a fee and total package that would meet PSG’s requirements. The club were swift to agree on personal terms with the Uruguayan, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who also reported that Ugarte is keen on moving to the red half of Manchester.
With personal terms agreed, the two clubs have entered talks, and various news outlets have reported that the transfer could set United back a fee of around £60 million. Negotiations are underway between the clubs, and Manchester United fans will be hopeful that the deal will be completed soon.
Ugarte has been earning praise for his displays in the 23/24 season and was a driving force in the PSG engine room for the entirety of the season.
Before his move to PSG last summer, the midfielder was plying his trade for Sporting CP in Portugal, where he made a name for himself with his hard-tackling style and his ability to break up opposition attacks with tackles and interceptions.
Standing at just above 5 feet 10 inches, the Uruguayan is as good on the ball as he is off it and has showcased his skills to resist the opposition press on various occasions. According to DataMB, the 23-year-old contested more defensive duels per 90 than any player in Europe’s top 7 leagues last season. He had a high defensive volume and a high ball retention rate in the 23/24 season.
PSG manager Luis Enrique has been effusive in his praise of the young midfielder, commending his ability on the ball and his pressing, which has often led to chances in dangerous positions for his side. Ex-players have also applauded Ugarte’s tenacity, intensity, and never-say-die attitude, giving his all for the team.
Red Devils Reloaded
Reports suggest that the United recruitment team is looking at Ugarte to partner teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo and as a potential replacement for Casemiro, who had a dismal 23/24 season and could be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer, with the Saudi league tipped as a potential destination. His arrival could well depend on the amount of funds the Red Devils can free up through player departures, which could see the deal prolonged.
Although the Uruguayan is able to operate as a single no. 6 in the midfield, pundits and experts have questioned Ugarte’s capability to operate in that role, with his spatial awareness and understanding of the anchor position called into question.
Much has been made of the style of play that Erik ten Hag could employ this season and whether the PSG midfielder will excel in the role that he is being scouted for. Whether he is the right partner for Kobbie Mainoo in the Manchester United midfield, only time will tell, but Dan Ashworth and Erik ten Hag seem eager to add the dynamic Uruguayan to their midfield options this summer.
