Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte could be allowed to leave on loan or on a permanent transfer this summer after a disastrous spell at the club. The speculation emerged after manager Michael Carrick opted to keep Casemiro out of his squad for the final Premier League game of the season at Brighton on Sunday despite being ruled out.
Ugarte has struggled to make a meaningful impact at Old Trafford since his £50m move from Sporting in August 2024. Ugarte, brought in by coach Erik ten Hag as a potential successor to the aging Casemiro, has not adapted to the rigors of English football’s top flight. He has started 10 games this season, with United winning just one of them.
These included embarrassing defeats to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup and Leeds United in the Premier League, the latter being just one of two defeats under Carrick.
United’s then caretaker manager was put in charge of Ugarte after the Red Devils lost 2-1 to Daniel Farke’s side in April, their first home league defeat to the Yorkshire club since 1981.
He said: “He’s been playing since I came in and he’s fine.
“I think tonight was a tough game, not just for Manu. It was one of those games that was a tough night. I actually thought he did a lot of cover for other guys to attack, especially when we got down to 10 men.”
However, the Guardian reports that Ugarte’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, with the Red Devils set to sign Ederson from Atalanta.
The signing is thought to be one of two further midfield reinforcements planned for this summer, raising the possibility of Ugarte leaving the club.
United’s main priority is acquiring an elite-level number six to replace Casemiro, with Real Madrid’s Aurélien Choameny and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali being the leading candidates for the role.
One player they seem destined to miss out on is Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson. United have reportedly conceded defeat to rivals Manchester City.
The Red Devils had identified the England international as one of their main targets in the summer. Despite this, United’s leaders are unwilling to meet an offer of around £100m.
United are also aware that Anderson would prefer a move to City rather than a move to Old Trafford. The Blues are understood to be increasingly confident of signing Anderson despite Pep Guardiola’s recent departure.
Further midfielders linked with a summer move to Old Trafford include Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleva. United are considering a surprise move for Alexis Mac Allister, but are well aware that reaching an agreement with Liverpool is highly unlikely.
