Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided that midfielder Manuel Ugarte must be sold this summer, according to reports. The Uruguay international arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 for a fee of £50 million from Paris Saint-Germain, but has failed to live up to expectations.
After an underwhelming first season in Manchester, Ugarte has struggled to establish himself in the team this term. The former Sporting CP star started just seven matches under Ruben Amorim, who previously coached him in Lisbon, before United parted ways with their head coach in January. Opportunities have been even harder to come by under Michael Carrick, with Ugarte starting only one game under the former midfielder.
Ugarte was drafted into the starting lineup to replace the injured Kobbie Mainoo against Leeds United, but United suffered a defeat at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe was in attendance that night and, according to The Athletic, is of the view that Ugarte must be sold this summer. His performance against Leeds did little to change that opinion.
In addition to his seven starts under Amorim, including a harrowing Carabao Cup exit against Grimsby in August, Ugarte also started both games during Darren Fletcher’s brief spell in charge. Of the 10 games he has started this term, United have won just once.
The 25-year-old has served as Casemiro’s understudy under Carrick, often replacing the Brazilian late in the second half. After the disappointing performance against Leeds, Carrick defended the player, who was described as 'too limited' by former United captain Gary Neville.
'Since I’ve come in, and he’s played and come on, he’s been fine,' Carrick said. '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.'
United hope to rebuild their midfield this summer, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Matheus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, and Joao Gomes among those on their shortlist.
