Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte could reportedly be allowed to leave on loan or in a permanent deal this summer after an underwhelming spell at Old Trafford. The 25-year-old, signed for around £50 million from Sporting in August 2024, has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.
Ugarte made only 10 starts this season, with United winning just one of those fixtures. Notable defeats include a Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town and a Premier League defeat to Leeds United, which was one of only two losses under interim head coach Michael Carrick.
Carrick defended Ugarte after the Leeds defeat, saying: 'Since I've come in, and he's played and come on, he's been fine. I think tonight was a tough game, not just for Manu.' However, Ugarte was not selected for the final match of the season at Brighton, raising doubts about his future.
According to The Guardian, United are set to sign Ederson from Atalanta and plan two more midfield additions, making Ugarte's departure likely. The club's priority is to sign an elite No. 6 to replace Casemiro, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Sandro Tonali among targets.
United have also conceded defeat in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who prefers a move to Manchester City. Other midfielders linked include Adam Wharton, Carlos Belaba, and a shock move for Alexis Mac Allister, though a deal with Liverpool is considered highly unlikely.
