Manchester United are looking at options to strengthen the team’s midfield and a new name has emerged.
Per multiple reports this week, Manchester United are considering Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Sky Sports report there has been initial contact between the two clubs, with HITC reporting Ugarte is open to the possibility of leaving PSG after just one year.
Ugarte, 23, is an interesting player who is currently away at the Copa America with Uruguay, a teammate of Facundo Pellistri.
Manuel Ugarte idolises Sergio Busquets
Manuel Ugarte would add a combination of tough tackling and composure to Manchester United’s midfield.
Speaking in late 2022 to Teledolce, Ugarte explained that he models his game on former Barcelona maestro Sergio Busquets.
He said: “In the national team, (I play) in a double pivot. And, at Sporting, I play more as a number six.
“But I have also played as number eight. These are the positions in which I feel most comfortable.
“In my position, (I idolise) Busquets. I try to copy the way he escapes the press with clean and targeted passes. I have to get better with my first touch. And I have to (be more aware of what is around me).
“If you do, you get a wider picture and that’s something fundamental.”
Ugarte signed for PSG in 2023
Paris Saint-Germain saw off competition from Chelsea and Liverpool to win the race to sign Ugarte last summer.
He played in 37 games in all competitions for the French champions, although only made 21 Ligue 1 starts.
PSG are themselves making some changes, losing Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer.
In the second half of the season Ugarte fell out of favour with manager Luis Enrique, and the opportunity to cash in would free up funds for their own targets.
The Uruguayan’s physical style would suit the Premier League and make United a tougher team for opponents to play against.