Manchester United could be set to be offered a mid-season escape for one star; he has been poor since he joined the club.
Rúben Amorim appears to have turned a corner at Manchester United, with an impressive performance against Brighton and Hove Albion, making it three wins in a row for the first time in his Old Trafford tenure.
However, the former Sporting CP manager will still be looking for improvements, with the next opportunity in the January transfer window. Jason Wilcox will be eyeing several positions where he could add to the squad.
As well as signing new players, United must also look to move on players who aren’t close to challenging for a spot in Amorim’s side. The lack of European football and Carabao Cup football has meant several players have been without the game time they were hoping for.
Joshua Zirkzee is one to be without the regular minutes he will be wanting. The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford, although Amorim will want to keep hold of his only senior backup striker.
Kobbie Mainoo will also be disappointed with his game time this season, but the academy graduate will almost definitely stay at United, unless he actively pushes for a move away from the club. His departure could spell the end of the academy record, which has lasted over 87 years.
Galatasaray eyeing Ugarte move
Manuel Ugarte is another to start the season on the bench at Old Trafford. Casemiro has started ahead of the former PSG midfielder in all but two Premier League games this season; Ugarte was given the nod against Manchester City and filled in for the Brazilian against Brentford due to suspension.
Despite being coached by Amorim at Sporting CP, Ugarte has failed to impress during his time at Old Trafford, with many now calling for him to be moved on. The new “two-year” rule at United – which sees players leave the club if their first two years weren’t up to scratch – could take its next victim, after Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana’s move in the summer.
Now, Ugarte has been linked with a move away from United in the January transfer window. Erol Evcen has reported that Galatasaray are interested in the 24-year-old, and he is now on their “mid-season transfer list”.
Ugarte, who has been described as “shocking”, will likely want to stay at Old Trafford, but could be forced out the door if another midfielder becomes available.
Amorim is unlikely to sanction his sale unless he is guaranteed another central midfielder to compete with Casemiro. Signing a high-profile player like Carlos Baleba or Adam Wharton would be difficult, so United may turn to a younger option.
United must look for a new midfielder
Despite their prior relationship, Amorim doesn’t seem to rate Ugarte as he once did. Against Brighton, Mainoo was chosen to replace Casemiro, even though he is considered competition for Bruno Fernandes rather than the former Real Madrid midfielder.
To get back to regular football, Ugarte must look for a move away from United and, in turn, Wilcox must begin his search for a new midfielder to replace him.
United have previously eyed Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, but must look for a cheaper option if they are to add to the squad in January. All three Premier League targets are likely to stay at their current side until the summer.
With Casemiro set to leave at the end of the season, signing a midfielder in January is crucial as they would be able to bed into the squad before being forced into a starting role. The January signing could start next season in midfield, with another new addition providing competition.
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