Full Dan Ashworth statement as Manchester United secure £42m Manuel Ugarte transfer

Dan Ashworth has issued a complete statement as Manchester United secure Manuel Ugarte, their fifth summer signing.

Manchester United have secured the signing of Manuel Ugarte from Ligue 1 club Paris St. Germain for an initial fee of £42 million. Ugarte becomes the fifth addition to Erik ten Hag‘s squad this summer, joining the club alongside new arrivals Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui.

Meanwhile, United have also seen several departures, including academy graduate Scott McTominay, who has joined Serie A side Napoli in a deal valued at approximately £25.7 million.

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Ugarte has committed to a five-year contract with Manchester United, with the club holding an option to extend his stay by an additional year.

Speaking on the transfer, Dan Ashworth said: “Signing Manuel was another of our primary targets for this summer. He is among the very best ball-winning midfield players in the world and has an excellent record at both club and international level. His qualities, experience and passion will be a great complement to our strong group of midfielders. 

“Manuel is a player we’ve watched closely, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will make on the pitch and in the dressing room as we continue to strive for success.” 

United’s full statement read: “Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Manuel Ugarte has joined the club, subject to registration. The Uruguay international has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year.

“Last season Ugarte, 23, won the league and cup double with Paris Saint-Germain before playing every game at Copa América and being named in the team of the tournament, taking his tally of international caps to 22.

“Since the start of the 2022/23 season Ugarte has averaged the second highest number of tackles per 90 minutes in Europe’s major leagues.”

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