Manchester United have a big few weeks ahead of them if they are to mount a serious challenge for a top-four spot in the Premier League this season.
Ruben Amorim’s side appear to have turned a corner in recent weeks, with an unbeaten run in their last four games meaning they are within reach of a top-four spot.
However, the January transfer window could come at the perfect time, giving INEOS the perfect opportunity to strengthen their squad and improve their chances in European football.
Having spent £200m on new talent in the summer transfer window, it remains to be seen how much the management will invest in the upcoming winter transfer window.
As a result, many of the players already scheduled to feature could be sacrificed, with one player potentially leaving after just 18 months at Old Trafford.
Why Ugarte will be available from INEOS in January
Back in the summer of 2024, United reportedly paid £50m to sign midfielder Manuel Ugarte in a D-contract deal with PSG, sparking optimism among the fanbase.
However, 18 months on, it is clear that the deal was a huge failure, with the Uruguayan international rapidly falling down the pecking order of Amorim this season.
He has started only three of the 17 league games, and is currently ahead of the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Ugarte was forced to start against Aston Villa after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, but it was a memorable afternoon for the 24-year-old.
He played 73 minutes for West Midlands before being withdrawn, but the underlying numbers in the defeat showed his lack of quality and impact.
The midfielder lost 50% of the duels he took part in and won only 40% of his tackles, which exposed his lack of quality without the ball, which is supposed to be his greatest asset.
United have lost all seven games he has started this season, meaning his big-money signing is struggling to live up to expectations and could see him drop further down the selection table.
Star that could end Ugarte’s Manchester United career
In order to strengthen their midfield department, United could look to the transfer market to try and improve the options at Amorim’s disposal for the immediate and long-term future.
Elliott Anderson has been one of the players that has been firmly on the radar in recent months, with the Nottingham Forest star potentially commanding a transfer fee in the region of £100m.
He is not the only player they are currently eyeing, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton also being considered by the bosses for the winter season with other options being considered.
However, both deals come at a small cost in the January transfer window, which could prevent the division from acquiring one of its dream targets in the coming months.
As a result, there is every chance that young talent will make the jump to the senior ranks, with midfielder Sekou Kone potentially getting his first taste of senior football in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old, who joined from Gidders FC in the summer of 2024, has been a regular part of the club’s youth team since his arrival, making a total of 20 appearances at various levels.
During this time, he has already recorded two goals and two assists, despite a role that has more defensive responsibilities.
The Malian youngster is yet to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils, but if he is given the chance to succeed in Manchester, it could end Ugarte’s career at the club.
Dubbed a “beast” by talent scout Antonio Mango, Cone has had some impressive performances at youth level, many of which could make him a great long-term option for the Red Devils.
Rescue Corn – U17 World Cup | ||
|---|---|---|
statistics | around 90 | Tournament total |
key pass | 1.6 | 10 |
Dribbling completed | 2.5 | 16 |
Long ball completed | 5.5 | 35 |
tackles and interceptions | 6.4 | 41 |
won an aerial battle | 2.5 | 16 |
Statistics by Sofascore | ||
He also previously represented his country at the U17 World Cup, after which he averaged 1.6 key passes and 2.5 completed dribbles per 90.
The youngster’s talent is reflected in his 90 tackles, 6.4 interceptions and 2.5 aerial wins, making him undoubtedly the perfect box-to-box option at Old Trafford.
At just 19 years old, he has plenty of time to develop further over the next few years and could be United’s future for many years under Amorim.
As for Mr. Ugarte, it may become very difficult to obtain minutes in the near future, in which case the hierarchy may put money into his services to prevent the entire host from losing money on their investments.
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