Manchester United are ready to part ways with one of their South American stars as three clubs show their interest.
Michael Carrick has brought light to Old Trafford once again as he has secured three wins out of three since his arrival. Tactically outclassing Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham, Manchester United have climbed to fourth place in the Premier League.
Carrick has brought an element of excitement back to the squad, with a major talking point recently being the midfield.
Kobbie Mainoo has been a new man since Carrick’s arrival, playing every minute so far and deservedly so. The 20-year-old had a tough time under former boss Ruben Amorim as he struggled for game time, and the possibility of an exit became very real.
Meanwhile, Brazilian veteran Casemiro has already announced his exit from the club at the end of the season, with his contract coming to an end, and left-back Tyrell Malacia is reportedly set to suffer the same fate.
Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner, was one of the many stars in United’s 3-2 victory against Fulham on Sunday, as his opening headed goal alongside a cheeky no-look assist to Matheus Cunha, followed by a late Benjamin Šeško winner, saw United secure all three points.
However, United have reportedly made the decision to move on from another player, who hasn’t hit the heights at Old Trafford.
United keen to part ways with Ugarte
Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte arrived in the summer of 2024 with the expectation of being the engine of the squad. He has yet to prove his worth as a £42 million signing, as fans have grown tired of his rash nature.
According to The iPaper, Man United are keen to to offload Ugarte in the summer of 2026. The midfielder has not met expectations and seems unable to meet the demands of the biggest clubs.
Ugarte shone at Sporting CP, where he even played under Amorim, earning a move to PSG, but one season in France, and they were already ready to sell him and look for stronger recruits.
The 24-year-old has only played 24 minutes out of a possible 270 under Carrick, as United have demonstrated that the current midfield profiles are better suited to Carrick’s tactical needs.
It’s no secret that United’s midfield is in desperate need of reinforcements, but the club are favouring names such as Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson over Ugarte, so a move would benefit both the club and the player.
Ugarte heading to Turkey
Ugarte has been on Galatasaray’s radar for several weeks, but a January move would not suit United with a lack of depth proving to be harmful this season.
The source expects Turkish giants Galatasaray to be the favourites to secure Ugarte’s signature, however two other Turkish sides are believed to be interested in the South American.
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The Turkish league could be the perfect fit for Ugarte’s aggressive nature and eager playing style, pressing for a team who’s current midfield doesn’t necessarily have the legs to turn over possession.
Galatasaray could offer Ugarte almost guaranteed Champions League football as they sit at the top of the Super Lig, and would allow Ugarte to combine forces with the likes of Victor Osimhen.
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