Manchester United have rejected an approach from Dutch giants Ajax to take midfielder Manuel Ugarte on loan for the remainder of the season, according to reports.
Loan Interest Rebuffed
The Athletic reports that Ajax made a move to offer the Uruguayan international more first-team football, but an agreement is considered unlikely after the Red Devils dismissed the idea. The 24-year-old has found himself down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season.
Ugarte arrived at United in August 2024 from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £42 million, tasked with succeeding Casemiro as the club's primary defensive midfielder. However, his performances have failed to live up to expectations, with the Brazilian veteran often preferred.
A Season of Struggle and Criticism
The midfielder's difficulties have been a consistent theme. He was signed under former manager Erik ten Hag but lost favour after the appointment of Ruben Amorim, despite having previously played under the Portuguese coach at Sporting CP.
New interim boss Michael Carrick's first team selection further highlighted Ugarte's status. In the recent win over Manchester City, Carrick started with a midfield trio of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes, with Ugarte only appearing as a late substitute.
The criticism of his performances has been severe and widespread. Club legend Gary Neville stated earlier this season that Ugarte is "absolutely not" a Manchester United player, citing his struggles on the ball during a match against Aston Villa.
Former midfielder Nicky Butt was equally scathing on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, saying: "Ugarte is not a Manchester United midfielder in a million years. That’s just one example of the recruitment and how they keep getting it wrong."
Even his former manager Amorim acknowledged his struggles last November, stating Ugarte needed to adapt and improve, especially in training. Pundit Craig Burley delivered perhaps the most stinging assessment, describing him as "just absolutely nothing" and "like a wet blanket."
Future Remains Uncertain at Old Trafford
Despite the loan rejection, Ugarte's long-term future at Manchester United is clouded. He has made 18 appearances this season, showing he is still part of the squad, but his role is clearly not as a first-choice starter.
The potential move to Ajax may not have been an ideal escape route either. The Amsterdam club are enduring a poor season, sitting third in the Eredivisie and 34th out of 36 teams in their Champions League group stage. They are also on their second manager of the campaign, with Fred Grim in interim charge after John Heitinga's sacking in November.
For now, Manuel Ugarte remains a Manchester United player, but with his £42m transfer failing to yield the desired impact and criticism mounting from all quarters, his position at the club looks increasingly precarious beyond the current January transfer window.
