United have found the secret to acquiring Ugarte with a smart transfer strategy.
When Manchester United invested in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro earlier in the transfer window, it became apparent that they would need to be inventive to secure a midfielder.
Operating within a constrained budget and adhering to Premier League Financial Sustainability Rules (PSR), United faced challenges in making a multi-million-pound investment in a midfielder, especially without offloading Casemiro—who had little market interest.
Additionally, United had already acquired Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich for an initial total of €60 million (£51 million) to bolster their defense.
With Zirkzee, Yoro, De Ligt, and Mazraoui now part of the squad, the club is focusing on acquiring a midfielder, with ongoing negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Ugarte.
A move for Ugarte lost momentum last month due to PSG’s valuation of the player, but discussions are now focused on negotiating a loan deal for the 23-year-old.
United prefer to buy Ugarte outright from PSG but have been reluctant to meet the £51.5 million asking price. Instead, they are exploring a loan option with a potential permanent transfer.
Last summer, United had to get creative to sign Amrabat, agreeing to a substantial €10 million loan fee with an option to buy for £25 million. A similar approach may be necessary for Ugarte.
There has been a clear need for fresh talent in midfield since November, although Casemiro has shown some recent improvement. United considered Burnley’s Sander Berge but he is heading to Craven Cottage, which likely ends their interest in Scott McTominay. Selling McTominay for £30 million could have facilitated a permanent transfer for Ugarte.
Keeping McTominay, who proved valuable off the bench last season, while negotiating a loan deal for Ugarte would be ideal. United are optimistic about achieving this.
Sources suggest that deferring a fixed fee for Ugarte until next summer would benefit United’s financial planning. Ugarte was left out of PSG’s squad last weekend as talks intensified.
Ugarte, a highly mobile defensive midfielder, would be a valuable addition, capable of intercepting and recovering balls—qualities Erik ten Hag needs. The midfield was a major issue last season, and not signing a new player was unthinkable.
Despite Casemiro showing promise in attack, he remains inconsistent defensively. Ugarte could address this gap and complement Kobbie Mainoo, with Bruno Fernandes positioned in central attacking midfield.
Since Ten Hag’s appointment from Ajax in the spring of 2022, there has been an increasing South American influence in the United dressing room. Ugarte embodies the aggression, quality, and mentality often seen in players from that region.
He is expected to enhance United’s midfield and is considered a better option than re-signing Amrabat, which has been a topic of discussion in the boardroom throughout the summer.
While Amrabat had a positive impact towards the end of last season, fans are eager for Ugarte to make an impression more quickly, provided a deal with PSG can be finalized before August 30.Manchester United’s strategy to acquire Manuel Ugarte involves a smart and financially cautious approach, considering their constraints and previous investments. With the additions of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro and the acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, United is now focused on strengthening their midfield.
The club is exploring a loan deal for Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, as they are hesitant to meet the £51.5 million asking price. A similar tactic to the loan deal for Amrabat last summer, which included a buy option, could be employed here. This would allow United to address their midfield issues without breaching financial rules or overspending.
Ugarte, a dynamic defensive midfielder, would bring qualities that United’s midfield currently lacks, particularly in ball recovery and defensive stability. His addition could complement existing midfielders like Kobbie Mainoo and provide an upgrade over inconsistent performances from Casemiro.
The potential loan with a future purchase option reflects United’s financial strategy and their ongoing efforts to balance squad improvement with budgetary constraints. If the deal is finalized before the end of the transfer window, Ugarte could significantly enhance the midfield and address one of the team’s pressing needs.
