According To Prominent Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United Is Nearing A Transfer Move As They Are Signing A Monster Who Can Easily Surpass Manchester United Legend Roy Keane.

Though Manchester United supporters might feel disheartened after their recent defeat, the current transfer period brings a sense of anticipation.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have signed several talented players to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad, including Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, and Noussair Mazraoui.

Despite these additions, the Red Devils seem poised to bring in another promising player, potentially someone who could become the club’s new Roy Keane.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United is nearing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Romano indicates that if Scott McTominay’s transfer to Napoli proceeds as planned, United will secure the permanent acquisition of the Uruguayan.

Although Romano has not mentioned the exact fee, previous summer reports have consistently suggested that Manchester United would need to pay £51 million for the 23-year-old, who earns £101k per week.

This is a significant investment, but incorporating this aggressive international player into Ten Hag’s midfield could greatly enhance the team’s strength against opponents. Ugarte might even become the Dutch manager’s equivalent of Roy Keane.

**Why Ugarte Could Be Ten Hag’s Keane**

When considering Roy Keane, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

For many, it’s the image of a classic “hardman”—a midfielder who could unsettle opponents before the game and deliver a strong tackle early on to make a statement.

Yet, this only captures part of the Irishman’s game, as thriving at Old Trafford requires more than just tough tackling.

One aspect Ugarte shares with the former United legend is his physicality; he isn’t hesitant to tackle, much like Keane. According to FBref, which compares players in similar roles across Europe’s top leagues, as well as the Champions League and Europa League, Ugarte ranks in the top 1% for tackles and dribbler tackles, and in the top 2% for interceptions, ball recoveries, and tackles won per 90 minutes.However, like the player he aims to mirror, Ugarte is also proficient with the ball. He ranks in the top 1% for medium pass completion, the top 2% for long pass completion, and the top 4% for overall pass accuracy among midfielders. Additionally, the 23-year-old “defensive beast,” as Statman Dave described him, has another similarity with the midfield icon: a propensity for yellow cards.

Ugarte has accumulated 47 yellow cards in 200 appearances, averaging one every 4.25 games. In comparison, Keane received 99 yellow cards in 612 games, or one every 6.18 games. While no one will ever fully replicate Keane, acquiring Ugarte could be a significant step towards finding a close substitute for Ten Hag’s team.The potential signing of Manuel Ugarte by Manchester United represents a strategic move to enhance Erik ten Hag’s midfield with a player reminiscent of Roy Keane’s tenacity and leadership. With the transfer period already seeing the arrival of players like Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, and Noussair Mazraoui, the addition of Ugarte could provide the squad with the grit and determination that characterized Keane’s era.

Fabrizio Romano’s report on United’s pursuit of Ugarte aligns with the club’s ongoing efforts to bolster the midfield, particularly if Scott McTominay’s move to Napoli materializes. The reported £51 million fee reflects the value Manchester United sees in the 23-year-old, whose aggressive style and tactical intelligence make him a suitable candidate for the role once held by Keane.

Ugarte’s impressive stats, particularly his defensive prowess and passing accuracy, highlight his potential to dominate the midfield. His ranking in the top percentiles for tackles, interceptions, and ball recoveries across Europe’s top leagues speaks to his ability to disrupt opposition play, a trait that defined Keane’s influence on the pitch. Furthermore, Ugarte’s ball-handling skills ensure he can contribute to both defense and attack, echoing Keane’s all-around midfield capabilities.

However, Ugarte’s disciplinary record, with an average of one yellow card every 4.25 games, suggests that his aggressive approach will need to be managed carefully in the Premier League. While replicating Roy Keane’s legacy is a tall order, Ugarte’s combination of physicality, skill, and determination could make him a pivotal figure in Ten Hag’s midfield, providing the bite and leadership that Manchester United has long sought to regain.