Super-agent Jorge Mendes is currently in England speaking with Manchester United regarding a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Agent Working on Premier League Move for Manuel Ugarte
Alternative to Go for Cheaper Option
Fabrizio Romano reported this afternoon (August 13) that Ugarte, who only joined PSG in July 2023, has had an agreement on personal terms with the Red Devils for some weeks now, but the Manchester club are still waiting on a part of the deal to work for them.
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As a result, Mendes is speaking with the United hierarchy to iron out the deal. The FA Cup champions “need” the price of the Uruguayan to be reduced by the Parisians, or alternatively a sale out of Old Trafford in order to facilitate a move for the 23-year old. The journalist continues: “otherwise, they will go for a cheaper option”.
Manuel Ugarte’s Struggles in Paris
Ugarte’s 2022/23 campaign with Sporting Lisbon was once of great promise as he stood out as one of his side’s best players, which led to rumours linking him with several clubs across Europe. Chelsea were extremely close to bringing him to Stamford Bridge before the player ended up favouring a move to the French giants.
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The young defensive midfielder was tipped to take his game to the next level at the Parc Des Princes, but across the course of the season it became apparent that manager Luis Enrique didn’t value him too highly. He played just 25 matches and 1,933 league minutes in Ligue 1, a hefty decrease on the 31 matches and 2,368 minutes he played in 2022/23.
What Could He Offer to Manchester United
A solid, tough-tackling midfielder, Ugarte is very adept at breaking up play as he demonstrated so well at Sporting two seasons ago. However, with the Premier League a considerably faster division than that of France or Portugal, he would have to take his game to the next level if he is to succeed under Erik ten Hag.
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Something that the Uruguayan international will have to ease off on though, is his tendency to pick up yellow cards. In 2022/23, his 16 yellows and one red card were a frustrating part of his game. Whilst he lowered that total last year to seven yellows, United fans will be wanting someone a little bit less reckless, with their defensive midfield regular Casemiro guilty of his own regular card accumulation last year.
With Scott McTominay’s future up in the air, their “dream” target would certainly be a welcome like-for-like replacement for the Red Devils, so this deal is certainly one to keep an eye on as we enter the final two weeks of the transfer window.
