A January exit could still be possible for Manuel Ugarte, with Ajax chasing the Uruguayan’s signature, even despite Manchester United’s initial rejection.
During the tenure of Ruben Amorim, it was rumoured that a few of the Manchester United outcasts could depart the club during the January transfer window, although, since the sacking of the 40-year-old, all transfer talk has been halted.
The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee, and Manuel Ugarte were all linked with a winter departure from Old Trafford due to a lack of involvement.
Mainoo has seemingly been reintroduced to the starting XI under Michael Carrick, whilst Zirkzee has benefited from recent attacking absences that have allowed him more minutes.
This, however, has not been the case for Ugarte, who has struggled to make a positive impact on the Reds since he was signed for £42million in 2024.
Ugarte still Ajax-bound?
According to a post on X by The United Stand, Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Ajax have been interested in signing Ugarte, and if he continues to slip further down United’s pecking order, then a deal ‘could be possible’.
This contradicts a recent report from The Athletic, via UtdDistrict, which told us that the Amsterdam-based club made an enquiry to loan the Uruguayan, although this was rejected.
The report states that Carrick’s side are unlikely to make any signings of their own in the final week of the January transfer window, although they still intend to decline Ajax’s approach.
If Ugarte is to continue to slip down the pecking order, then a loan deal may be optimal for United, especially considering Mainoo’s resurgence, as well as the fact that they only have the Premier League to focus on.
Is an Ugarte loan necessary?
With United seemingly moving back to a more conventional 4-2-3-1, this will mean that the Reds could do with as much midfield depth as possible.
Although Ugarte and Mainoo have both been short of minutes this season, they may benefit from staying for Carrick’s tenure as it could allow them both a new lease of life.
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Mainoo has already started to reap the rewards of staying put, having started both of the Reds’ last two matches against Manchester City and Burnley.
Ugarte may have to play his way back into the United squad if he isn’t to be granted a loan move this winter, although with over a week until deadline day, there could be plenty more to write regarding his story.
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