Top News

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has received a welcome boost from the Uruguay national team, offering him some relief from his challenging spell at Old Trafford.

Since his move from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024, Ugarte has found it difficult to establish himself at United. The club paid approximately £50.5 million, including add-ons, for his transfer, but the midfielder has yet to live up to expectations and is increasingly being viewed as a disappointment.

Ugarte was unable to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup under Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim, despite having previously played under Amorim at Sporting CP before joining PSG. The same pattern has continued under current manager Michael Carrick, who has clearly shown preference for other options in midfield.

On the final day of the Premier League season, as United comfortably defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0, Carrick chose to bring on Tyler Fletcher instead of Ugarte, leaving the Uruguayan as an unused substitute on the bench.

According to a report by The Peoples Person, United have informed Ugarte’s representatives that he will be allowed to leave the club this summer. It is understood that the Red Devils are open to accepting offers as low as £24 million to facilitate his departure.

Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray are currently showing the strongest interest in signing Ugarte, though several Serie A sides are also monitoring his situation closely.

Earlier this month, Ugarte stated that his main focus was on representing Uruguay at the upcoming World Cup — comments that might not have been well received at United given his limited impact throughout the season.

Nevertheless, Ugarte’s ambitions have been rewarded as he has been included in Uruguay’s squad for the World Cup set to take place in North America.

He is one of three Premier League players to make the Uruguay roster, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Santiago Bueno and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

Uruguay, drawn in Group H, will begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia on 15 June before facing Cape Verde and Spain in their subsequent group matches.

Manchester United will be hoping that Ugarte delivers strong performances during the tournament, potentially reigniting interest from other clubs. A standout showing could significantly boost his market value, benefiting both the player and the club.

The 25-year-old featured in 22 Premier League matches during the 2025/26 season but started only eight of them.