Manchester United Poised for £35m Manuel Ugarte Sale to Juventus
Manchester United have received a timely £35 million boost to their summer transfer budget, with midfielder Manuel Ugarte expected to depart for Juventus. The Uruguayan international, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for an initial £42.1 million, has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford, starting just seven Premier League matches this season.
Juventus' Long-Term Interest in Ugarte
Juventus have been tracking Ugarte since his time at Sporting Lisbon and are now in pole position to secure his signature. The Italian giants believe that qualifying for the Champions League will strengthen their hand in negotiations, as they look to revitalise their squad. United, meanwhile, are willing to accept a slight loss on the £35 million fee reported by Corriere Dello Sport, viewing the sale as a strategic move to fund their own ambitious plans.
Midfield Overhaul Underway at Old Trafford
This potential transfer is part of a broader midfield overhaul at Manchester United, with Casemiro also confirmed to be leaving the club. Manager Michael Carrick, who has overseen a renaissance at United, is prioritising reinforcements in the engine room. Key targets include Newcastle United's Elliot Anderson and AC Milan's Sandro Tonali, both seen as long-term solutions to bolster the squad's depth and quality.
Additional Transfer Activity Expected
Beyond midfield, United are also scouting more affordable options, such as Southampton's £20 million-rated Shea Charles, to ensure value in the market. The club is additionally poised to enter the market for a left-sided attacker, signalling a shift away from the back-three formation favoured by former manager Ruben Amorim.
Fundraising remains a priority for United regardless of Champions League qualification, with fringe players like Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana likely to be made available. Permanent moves for loanees Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are also anticipated, further reshaping the squad ahead of the new season.
This summer promises significant changes at Old Trafford, with the Ugarte sale providing crucial financial leverage to execute Carrick's vision and compete at the highest level.
