Manchester United are reportedly prepared to take a financial hit on Manuel Ugarte as Michael Carrick continues to rebuild his midfield this summer.
According to The Sun, United are open to selling the Uruguayan international even if it means accepting less than what they paid.
The club signed Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 on a deal worth an initial transfer fee of £42.3m, with the total package potentially exceeding £50m including add-ons.
That makes this a difficult situation. Ugarte arrived with a strong reputation as a ball-winning midfielder, but struggled to fully realize that at Old Trafford.
He started just 10 games last season, which shows how quickly his role is fading.
Wages could make it difficult for Ugarte to leave Man United
The biggest problem is not just the transfer fee. Senior United officials reportedly believe Ugarte’s £120,000-a-week wage could make a move difficult.
United are not actively pushing him on the market as they do not want to weaken their negotiating position. That’s the smart thing to do.
If a club finds out that the player is not wanted, offers usually fall quickly.
There is also a realistic possibility that Ugarte will stay beyond the transfer window. United may be open to a sale, but they are not desperate enough to accept a deal at any price.
Carrick wants a different midfield
This feels like part of a broader change under Carrick. United have already decided to move Casemiro, and Sky Sports recently reported that Ugarte could be included in a major summer signing.
The club have also been linked with midfielders such as Matheus Fernandes and Felix Nmeka, suggesting Carrick wants more technical control, energy and tactical flexibility in the center of the pitch.
United’s position is understandable. Ugarte is not a bad player, but he may simply not fit the type of midfield that Carrick wants to build.
United are listening, but the deal depends on finding a club prepared to foot both the transfer fee and his hefty salary.
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