£50m Manchester United star ‘on Atletico Madrid’s wishlist’, he’s essential to Rúben Amorim

One of Rúben Amorim’s essential players is reportedly on the wishlist of Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone ahead of a potential attempted summer raid in the next transfer window.

Manchester United have spent the past year trying to trim their wage bill and raise transfer funds as Sir Jim Ratcliffe works to repair the club’s financial situation.

After moving Jadon Sancho to Chelsea last summer, United continued their clear-out in January, loaning Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa, sending Antony to Real Betis for the rest of the season, and seeing Tyrell Malacia return to the Netherlands on loan with PSV Eindhoven—saving over £2 million per month in wages.

Several academy graduates also left on loan during the winter window, though these moves were primarily aimed at securing game time for players on the fringes of Rúben Amorim’s squad rather than cutting costs.

Despite these departures, United still have several high earners on their books, with the contracts of Casemiro, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount often criticised by fans as poor financial decisions.

Many of these players are set to be either released or sold in the coming months as the club look to gain capital ahead of what some feel will be a busy summer transfer window.

United star on Atleti’s wishlist

Amid United wanting to raise funds, it was declared by multiple outlets during January that the club do not see any players other than Leny Yoro and Amad as completely untouchable this summer.

With this in mind, a new report from Spain has stated that Atletico Madrid are looking at one of Rúben Amorim’s important players as the summer window approaches.

It has been claimed that Diego Simeone, Atleti’s manager, has midfielder Manuel Ugarte on his wishlist for the coming summer as he looks to add to his ranks in the middle of the pitch.

United signed the Uruguayan international last summer from Paris St. Germain for around £42 million, which may rise to above £50 million depending on add-ons.

The report states that Simeone wants to sign a new midfielder who secures the side from a defensive perspective, with Ugarte one of three players Atleti are targeting, alongside Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

Ugarte unlikely to leave United this summer

While it cannot be ruled out, it’s unlikely that United would allow Ugarte to leave the club in the summer unless he pushes for a transfer out of Old Trafford.

Read More: Manchester United handed major transfer boost as ‘price lowered’ for star Rúben Amorim loves and needs

Ugarte has become an essential player under Amorim in the last few months, with him and Bruno Fernandes the club’s best midfield duo, although this is in part down to lack of other options.

Casemiro is likely to leave this summer, and Christian Eriksen will depart once his contract expires, while Kobbie Mainoo has been ruled out with an injury until the end of next month.

Amorim has previously expressed his appreciation for Ugarte and the player recently scored his first goal for the club during a 2-2 draw against Everton.

Atleti can try their best for the 23-year-old, but it’s likely they would have to pay a hefty fee well above the £50 million mark to prize him off United this summer.

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