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A fresh report has indicated that Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee injury is not expected to have a significant influence on Manchester United’s ongoing transfer strategy.

Manchester United are actively working in the transfer market as they prepare for their return to the UEFA Champions League, with reinforcements needed across several key positions.

Michael Carrick’s squad is seeking additional depth in goalkeeping, left-back, centre-back, and left-wing areas. However, their foremost objective remains overhauling the midfield, with plans to bring in up to three new signings.

The Red Devils have already finalised a £38 million agreement to sign Atalanta’s Ederson Silva. Reports also suggest that they are pursuing West Ham United’s Matheus Fernandes, along with the possibility of adding another midfielder before the window closes.

There were concerns that Ugarte’s knee injury, sustained during the World Cup, could disrupt these plans, as the club had initially intended to generate funds through his sale.

While it was widely assumed that Ugarte’s setback might force Manchester United to revise their transfer approach, The Sun has reported that this is not the case.

The outlet claims that Manchester United ‘do not expect Ugarte’s serious knee injury to have a major impact on their transfer business’, though they have already shortlisted three potential replacements.

According to the report, ‘The intention to move Ugarte was part of the plan to sign a third central midfielder, with a deal already agreed for Ederson and United also interested in Mateus Fernandes of West Ham. With Ugarte now unsellable and unavailable, an additional midfield signing has become even more pressing. Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton are among those being monitored. United are also targeting a left-sided player, a forward, and a back-up goalkeeper.’

Although Ugarte’s sale is now off the table, Manchester United could instead consider selling Marcus Rashford to raise transfer funds, following his impressive loan spell with Barcelona.

A permanent transfer to Barcelona appears unlikely after their acquisition of Anthony Gordon, but Rashford continues to attract interest from other Premier League and European clubs.

Alternatively, Rashford could return to Old Trafford and feature once again for his boyhood club in the coming season.

The Sun further states that Manchester United are ‘prepared to let the situation unfold’ regarding Rashford, even though their ‘private preference has been to sell him this summer’.

However, if no suitable offer materialises, Rashford is expected to report back for pre-season training after his three-week break following the World Cup. It still remains uncertain whether he will be willing to reconcile with Manchester United.