Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte could reportedly be allowed to leave on loan or in a permanent deal this summer after an underwhelming few seasons. The reports come after Michael Carrick opted not to pick him for their final Premier League game of the season at Brighton on Sunday, despite Casemiro not being involved.
The 25-year-old has struggled to make any impact at Old Trafford since arriving from Sporting in August 2024 for around £50 million. Signed under Erik ten Hag as a potential successor to the ageing Casemiro, Ugarte has failed to adapt to the pace of English football's top-flight.
The Uruguayan made 10 starts this season, with United winning just one of those fixtures. Those games have included historic defeats to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup and Leeds United in the Premier League, which was only one of two defeats under Carrick.
Carrick's stance on Ugarte
United's then-interim head coach defended Ugarte after the 2-1 defeat to Daniel Farke's side in April, the Red Devils' first loss at home to the Yorkshire side in the league since 1981. He said: "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. It was one of those games when it was a tough night. I actually thought, especially when we went down to 10 men, that he did a lot of covering for other players to be able to attack."
Uncertain future
The Guardian claims that Ugarte faces an uncertain future at M16 with the Red Devils set to sign Ederson from Atalanta. That signing is said to be one of two other midfield additions this summer, meaning Ugarte is likely to leave. United's priority is to sign an elite-level No. 6 to replace Casemiro, with Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali among the leading targets for that role.
One player they look set to miss out on is Nottingham Forest player Elliot Anderson. The Mirror understands that United have conceded defeat to bitter rivals Manchester City. The Red Devils had targeted the England international as one of their main summer targets. However, United bosses are not willing to meet the asking price of around £100 million. United are also of the understanding that Anderson would prefer to join City instead of them. It's understood the Blues remain increasingly confident of landing Anderson, despite Pep Guardiola's recent departure.
Other midfielders being linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford are Adam Wharton and Carlos Belaba. United have also considered a shock move for Alexis Mac Allister, but know striking a deal with Liverpool is highly unlikely.
