Three Manuel Ugarte alternatives as Man United end pursuit of PSG midfielder

Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and are now exploring other midfield options.

The Reds have made two signings – Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee – so far this summer and Ugarte was expected to join the pair as a new United player.

However, the incredibly reliable David Ornstein has reported that the Premier League outfit is shifting their attention away from Ugarte and toward other midfield candidates.

It was added that the only way that the Old Trafford side will reconsider their stance is if the French club lower their £51 million asking price for the 23-year-old.

United will pursue several options now that a deal for the Uruguayan is off the table, and UtdDistrict has noted three potential midfield signings below.

Martín Zubimendi

Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad is one of the main options for The Reds, and they have been linked to the Spaniard in recent weeks as well.

The 25-year-old starred for eventual champions Spain in the European Championships in the summer and could fit in at the base of United’s midfield.

He made 45 appearances for the La Liga side last term and has a reported release clause for a similar price to what PSG are demanding for Ugarte.

It remains to be seen whether United would be willing to pay that for the player or perhaps negotiate a lower fee.

Youssouf Fofana

Youssouf Fofana could be a great pickup for United, and like Zubimendi, he has been linked with the Old Trafford club this summer.

The AS Monaco midfielder has agreed personal terms for a transfer to AC Milan, but there are still problems over a fee for the Frenchman.

Milan are reportedly refusing to pay more than a £15 million package, which could open the door for a potential hijack from United.

Fofana made 35 appearances for the French side last term, scoring four goals and assisting as many.

Sofyan Amrabat

A third potential option as a midfield signing is Sofyan Amrabat, who spent the previous season on loan at Old Trafford.

While this would possibly be an underwhelming signing on its own, Amrabat is set to be available for a cut price lower than the option United had to buy him from his loan.

This could allow the club space to bring in another midfielder alongside the 27-year-old.

Amrabat could also be useful for the squad, as he showed during the latter stages of the 2023/24 campaign, including in the FA Cup final.

It should also be noted that The Athletic have reported that club officials have been in contact with the agents of Burnley midfielder Sanger Berge.

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