Manchester United’s pursuit of a new midfielder has led them to Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte. The 23-year-old Uruguay international has caught the eye of United’s scouts, who have been monitoring him closely since his days at Sporting Lisbon. While there has not been a formal approach to PSG yet, Ugarte is on a shortlist of options being considered by the club.
With doubts surrounding the long-term future of Casemiro, United are in the market for a defensive midfielder to bolster their squad. The Brazilian midfielder had a challenging season and is now reportedly a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia. United have been proactive in reshaping their squad and reducing their wage bill, parting ways with high earners such as David De Gea, Raphaël Varane, and Anthony Martial.
Aside from Casemiro, United are facing uncertainty over the futures of players like Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat. Eriksen has just one year left on his contract and could be on the move, while Amrabat’s loan deal from Fiorentina is yet to be made permanent. The club is keen on making strategic decisions to strengthen the squad while also managing finances effectively.
Future Targets
In addition to pursuing Ugarte, United are also working on deals to bring in Jarrad Branthwaite and Joshua Zirkzee. Negotiations for Branthwaite have been slow due to Everton’s high asking price for the defender. Other potential targets include Leny Yoro from Lille and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, who has impressed with the England national team. The club is also exploring options in the striker department, with Jonathan David from Lille and Ivan Toney from Brentford on their radar.
Overall, Manchester United are actively looking to reshape their squad this summer, with a focus on midfield reinforcements and strategic signings to strengthen their position in the upcoming season. The club’s scouting network is working tirelessly to identify and secure targets that will enhance the team’s performance on the pitch. With several potential departures and new arrivals on the horizon, it promises to be an intriguing transfer window for the Red Devils.