Manchester United's search for a third midfield signing this summer has hit a major stumbling block after Manuel Ugarte sustained a severe injury on Saturday. The 25-year-old was stretchered off during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain, a result that ended the South American nation's World Cup knockout stage hopes.
Injury Details and Impact
Ugarte's injury happened accidentally through contact with his own team-mate as he and Mathias Olivera both challenged for the ball late in the first half. Olivera reached the ball first and then fell onto the United player's extended leg. The incident appeared to cause a serious knee injury, with Ugarte requiring a stretcher to leave the pitch.
The setback arrives as the Reds look to bolster their midfield ranks with Casemiro leaving as a free agent this summer. West Ham star Mateus Fernandes features amongst the players United are determined to sign, although Tottenham Hotspur are said to be prepared to offer a more lucrative financial deal.
Transfer Complications
It is believed that talks have gathered pace during the closing week of June, spurred by the Hammers' monetary situation, with reports indicating that Spurs are ready to meet West Ham's £80million asking price. However, Spanish publication Marca claimed on Saturday that renewed discussions have emerged from Old Trafford with the Reds reportedly willing to improve their contract offer for the Portuguese midfielder. They suggest that United also plans to begin direct talks with West Ham.
Manchester City's eye-watering £116m chase for England and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson demonstrates just how inflated the midfielder market has become. Elite-level midfielders are in short supply, and clubs lucky enough to possess such talents will stand firm for the maximum possible fee.
United's Midfield Plans in Jeopardy
United were squeezed out of a deal for former Newcastle man Anderson and might yet encounter a similar predicament with Fernandes unless they are prepared to boost their bid. The Red Devils had intended to secure three midfielders during this summer's transfer window; however, that hinged on United finding a buyer for Ugarte.
FIFA's Club Protection Programme will cover Ugarte's wages should he be sidelined for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. The scheme covers the salary of an injured player up to a ceiling of €7.5m (£6.6m) until they are declared fit to return for their club. However, that does little to address the difficulty of shifting Ugarte while nursing a serious injury, meaning he would most likely remain at United until at least the January transfer window.
One Deal Progressing
The Red Devils are at least moving closer to securing one fresh midfield addition, having already reached an agreement with Atalanta for Ederson. The Brazilian will complete the switch following a £35m initial fee, plus £3.8m in add-ons, being confirmed between the two clubs.
