Manchester United are willing to take a major gamble to bring in a top European midfielder. The Uruguayan defensive midfielder has been outstanding for PSG since signing from Sporting Lisbon last year, ranking among European football’s top tacklers and interceptions.

Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, prioritizing his acquisition over other potential signings.The Uruguayan defensive midfielder has excelled at PSG since his transfer from Sporting Lisbon last year, establishing himself as one of Europe’s leading tacklers and interceptors. His skills could be invaluable to a Manchester United team that allowed 58 goals in their 38 league matches last season, with eight instances of conceding three or more goals, including against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Brighton, and in four of their six Champions League group stage games.

Manchester United are prepared to forego Joao Neves to secure Manuel Ugarte

United’s focus on Ugarte has reportedly caused them to drop their interest in Benfica’s 19-year-old talent Joao Neves, who is also being targeted by PSG.

The situation, as described by French and Portuguese media, is a complex transfer negotiation:

United would ideally like to keep their options open for both Ugarte and Neves but have a stronger preference for Ugarte.

Thus, if United withdraws from pursuing Neves, allowing PSG to acquire him as Ugarte’s replacement, PSG might be more inclined to sell Ugarte.

In essence, United is banking on this strategic move not backfiring and leaving them without either player, as PSG could end up retaining both Ugarte and Neves.

United are expected to have a busy summer transfer window, aiming to improve upon their disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, despite their surprising FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

They are close to signing Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, who is scheduled for a medical in Manchester on Friday.

Additionally, Bayern Munich defender Mathijs de Ligt has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, while Dutchman Xavi Simons is also being considered as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his squad for the upcoming season.Manchester United’s intensified pursuit of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain reflects their urgent need to bolster their defensive midfield. Ugarte has stood out at PSG for his exceptional tackling and intercepting skills since his move from Sporting Lisbon, making him a valuable target for United, who struggled defensively last season, conceding 58 goals in 38 league matches.

United’s focus on Ugarte has led them to deprioritize Joao Neves, a 19-year-old talent from Benfica, who is also being targeted by PSG. This strategic decision is intended to facilitate PSG’s acquisition of Neves, potentially making PSG more willing to part with Ugarte. However, this approach carries risks, as PSG could retain both players, leaving United without either target.

In addition to their interest in Ugarte, United are close to signing Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, with a medical scheduled in Manchester. They are also linked with Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and Dutchman Xavi Simons, indicating a busy summer transfer window aimed at improving their squad after a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, despite an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.