It’s official—the Manuel Ugarte experiment at Old Trafford is reaching its final chapter. Just two years after his high-profile arrival from PSG, the Uruguayan midfielder is packed and ready for the exit. With Michael Carrick now firmly in the driver’s seat and steering United toward a top-three finish, Ugarte has become a casualty of a tactical shift that simply has no room for his “destroyer” style of play.
United paid over £50 million for his services in 2024, but with his value plummeting and his influence on the pitch non-existent, the INEOS board is reportedly ready to bite the bullet and sell.
The Carrick Transformation
The writing was on the wall the moment Ruben Amorim was sacked in January. While Amorim valued Ugarte’s grit, Michael Carrick has prioritized technical security and “DNA” football. Carrick’s preference for the Mainoo-Wharton partnership (or even the rejuvenated Casemiro in his final months) has left Ugarte on the fringes.
Since the turn of the year, Ugarte has started just seven Premier League matches. For a 24-year-old in his prime, being an expensive backup isn’t an option, and Carrick’s system—which demands 90%+ passing accuracy and elite positional discipline—has exposed Ugarte’s limitations on the ball.
The Transfer Race: Who’s Buying the “Flop”?
Despite his struggles in Manchester, Ugarte still has a market in Europe. United have reportedly set an asking price of £35 million (€40m), hoping to recoup as much as possible before his stock drops further.
• Juventus: The Italians are currently the frontrunners. Sporting Director Marco Ottolini has been spotted scouting Ugarte personally during the recent international break. They see him as the perfect “enforcer” for a Serie A midfield.
• Newcastle United: This is the move gathering the most steam. Reports suggest a 72% probability of Ugarte heading to St. James’ Park. Interestingly, there’s talk of a potential swap deal involving Sandro Tonali, which would finally give United the deep-lying playmaker Carrick craves.
• Galatasaray: The Turkish giants are still lurking, though they’d likely prefer a loan with an option to buy—a deal United is currently resisting.
Final Verdict: Right Player, Wrong Club
Ugarte isn’t a bad player; he’s just a bad fit for Michael Carrick’s Manchester United. In a team that wants to dominate the ball, a player whose primary skill is chasing it becomes a liability. Selling him now for £35 million is a painful financial hit, but it’s a necessary move to clear the wage bill for the “Carrick Revolution” this summer.
