AC Milan are contemplating a move to rescue Manuel Ugarte from his Manchester United ordeal. United are eager to sell Ugarte to the highest bidder this summer, and Italian heavyweights Milan are mulling over a deal to bring the Uruguayan midfielder back together with Ruben Amorim.
Ugarte's Struggles at Manchester United
United acquired Ugarte from Paris Saint Germain in 2024 in a transfer worth £42m. However, the midfielder has struggled to establish himself with the English club. He has started only 30 league matches across two seasons and dropped down the hierarchy when Kobbie Mainoo reclaimed his position in the side during the latter half of the previous campaign.
Michael Carrick has informed Ugarte he doesn't feature in his future plans. United have brought in Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta and are poised to submit an offer for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.
Ugarte Seeks Exit
Ugarte recognises he has no prospects at Old Trafford and has asked his representative, Jorge Mendes, to secure him a new club. Mendes has now initiated discussions with Milan regarding a potential transfer.
Amorim's Connection
Amorim, who has been appointed Milan's new head coach, previously managed Ugarte during his triumphant spell at Sporting and subsequently during his disappointing period in the Old Trafford hot seat. High expectations surrounded Ugarte, especially after Amorim's appointment, but he never lived up to his price tag.
Speaking two months prior to his dismissal as United manager, Amorim acknowledged he was collaborating intensively with Ugarte in an attempt to help him recapture his finest form. He said: "You can sense a lot of very good players come here, and sometimes they struggle. He is struggling at the moment but it is our job to try to help and help him to feel like I felt when he was a Sporting player."
"But it is a different world. He needs to adapt, and he needs to improve, especially in training."
Transfer Fee Negotiations
United are hoping to recover a substantial portion of the fee they spent on Ugarte and are demanding approximately £30m. Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani is unwilling to match the valuation, but additional discussions are scheduled in an attempt to find middle ground.
A strong World Cup campaign could aid United's position, with Ugarte having started Uruguay's opening fixture as they were held by Saudi Arabia. They meet Cape Verde on Sunday, before completing the group stage against Spain on June 27.
