Manuel Ugarte has endured a mixed start to the season which has led to speculation over his future at Manchester United.
During the latter stages of the summer transfer window, Manchester United were scouring the market for a new midfielder with links to Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.
Heading into 2026, signing a new midfielder is a top priority for United, and that spells potential bad news for Manuel Ugarte.
Reports claimed United were open to selling Ugarte this summer, but the Uruguay international ended up staying put in Manchester.
But his performances this season have not earned him a starting spot under Ruben Amorim, and now speculation about an exit is ramping up again.
Ruben Amorim’s stance on Manuel Ugarte’s future
One of the main frustrations around Ugarte this season is that Amorim has repeatedly put him above Kobbie Mainoo in his pecking order.
With Casemiro also in the final year of his contract, it feels as though United are on the verge of a midfield overhaul.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given insight into the current stance on Ugarte and it seems the 24-year-old is still very much part of Amorim’s plans.
On the latest GiveMeSport newsletter, Romano said: “Of course, performances haven’t always been excellent, but coach and club maintain their trust in Ugarte. They hope for improvement soon.”
Manuel Ugarte can still succeed at Man United
When Ugarte was signed under Erik ten Hag, he was brought in to be the successor to Casemiro.
However, the 33-year-old remains ahead of Ugarte in Amorim’s pecking order this season as the first-choice starter alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
READ MORE: Man Utd already have a homegrown Manuel Ugarte upgrade, he’s better in one way
But Casemiro has been a good role model for Ugarte to learn from, and if the Uruguayan can become more consistent, then he could still have a future at Old Trafford.
Amorim wants more intensity in midfield, and Ugarte is among the best ball-winners in United’s squad. Fernandes needs a hard-running workhorse alongside him in a double pivot and Ugarte can fill that spot.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/wMO6BHN