Despite the current chaos surrounding United’s hunt for an interim as well as the uncertainty as to who will be the head coach in the summer, that has seemingly not put an end to the supposed exit of a major United midfielder who now looks to be convinced by a move away.
January has been a quiet month for Manchester United so far regarding the winter transfer window, with it appearing as if it will remain that way come the end of the window, with the potential chance of incomings currently not looking likely.
Now, following the recent departure of Ruben Amorim, as well as INEOS’s approach of not looking at bringing players in who are not fit for a long-term project or any ‘quick fixes’.
With United not even having an interim manager lined up let alone a permanent, it is unlikely United look to move for anyone in the closing weeks of the window.
However, it appears that it may not have shut the door on any potential exits this January, despite the current uncertainty surrounding the future of the club, with one player in particular being heavily linked with a move abroad this winter.
Ugarte being convinced to accept Galatasaray move?
It would be fair to say that this season so far has been one to forget for Manuel Ugarte, with the Uruguayan struggling to cement a starting spot throughout Ruben Amorim’s tenure in charge and failing to impress when given the chance.
Despite starting the previous two games under Darren Fletcher, according to reports in the Turkish media, which have also recently been covered by SportWitness, a move to Galatasaray could potentially still be on the cards by the end of the month.
Haber Sarikirmizi has also covered comments made by journalist Yakup Çınar regarding Galatasaray’s pursuit of the Uruguayan.
The Turkish journalist went on to claim that two of Ugarte’s international teammates Lucas Torreira and Fernando Muslera, have played a big part in actively trying to convince Ugarte into the move.
Yakup Çınar then went on to report that Galatasaray would also be interested in a potential loan for the player if a permanent transfer can not be arranged this January.
“Galatasaray continues its contacts regarding Manuel Ugarte. Names such as Muslera and Torreira are in talks with the player about Galatasaray. Galatasaray wants to rent him with a loan purchase option. The player will leave Manchester United 100%.”
What is Ugarte’s long-term future?
In the event of Ugarte failing to secure a move away to Turkey in January, it does further raise the question as to what his long-term future at United will hold, as well as his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.
Read More: Why Middlesbrough sacked Michael Carrick last summer explained as Manchester United return looms
Having started the previous two matches away at Burnley and at home to Brighton in the FA Cup, this could suggest that Ugarte may now have a more secure position in the squad for the future, for when an interim is decided upon.
However, despite the recent run of games, with more players returning, such as Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, opportunities will likely narrow for the midfielder, especially in the long run, as United have been heavily linked with bolstering the midfield this summer, names such as Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba being mentioned.
Ultimately, the future for Ugarte is still unknown; however, given United’s persistent interest in adding to the midfield, as well as the links away to Galatasaray, and the eventual arrival of a new head coach in the summer, who may not fancy the Uruguayan, Ugarte’s future remains in the balance.
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 (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.