Manchester United have held talks with Galatasaray about the price tag for one outcast player, as discussions with the player begin.
Manchester United are looking to offload some players in the January transfer window as the need for more suited profiles is made more clear in Ruben Amorim’s cemented 3-4-2-1 formation.
This has caused the manager to rely on the core duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro to be the glue holding the side together.
Both players proved tone crucial in United’s last fixture which saw an exciting 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth. Casemiro secured himself a goal as he got on the end of a Fernandes corner, who was also the taker and scorer of a stunning free kick equalising the game with a rocket into the top right corner.
United spent their attention investing in the attacking line during the last transfer window as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all arrived at Old Trafford, whilst many attacking players also departed the club. Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford all moved on from United.
Interest in another United player has emerged from Turkish giants Galatasaray, as Amorim may look to move one of his midfielders on from the club.
Galatasaray hold talks with Ugarte
As Turkish journalist Erol Evcen reports, Galatasaray have made contact with United and Manuel Ugarte over a potential move for the midfielder.
These talks involved the reveal of an undisclosed price tag for the player from United, as Ugarte may depart from the club.
Since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for £42 million, the Uruguayan has underwhelmed in a United shirt.
With his arrival giving fans optimism about his ball-winning, ground coverage, and possession turnovers, Ugarte has appeared too eager at times, often diving in and creating gaps in United’s side.
The 24-year-old was highly regarded for his time at Sporting CP, where he played under his current boss, Amorim, and earned a move to France, but the Parisian giants soon moved on from him as they brought in fellow Liga Portugal star, Joao Neves.
Kobbie Mainoo may also be on his way out as Amorim remains confident in the duo of Fernandes and Casemiro, leaving little space for Mainoo or Ugarte.
United still need midfield reinforcements
Amorim is in certain need of an athletic midfielder capable of transitioning the ball from defence to attack and finding the bursting runs of Mbeumo, Amad or Cunha who often find acres of space on the break.
Names such as Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have all emerged as potential summer signings to be the long-term fix for United’s midfield issues.
However, with them most likely demanding a heavy price tag, freeing up funds through the sale of Ugarte could facilitate the moves, and could even allow the club to accelerate their plans to the January window to find a replacement.
With Casemiro suspended, Ugarte could see more minutes in the short-term future, but a move to Galatasaray would secure him consistent minutes and potential Champions League football.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.