Manchester United handed boost as they close in on agreement with UCL club over player transfer - Reports
After confirming the arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, Manchester United are moving quickly in the transfer market to secure another key target.
Manuel Ugarte has been linked with a move to United since the summer transfer window opened, as Erik ten Hag wanted to strengthen the defensive midfield position. However, negotiations stalled when Manchester United and PSG failed to agree on the transfer fee.
According to a report from Ovacion, significant progress has now been made in the deal, and the midfielder could complete his move to the Red Devils within the next few hours. Ugarte’s agents, Jorge Mendes and Jorge Chijane, are also set to travel to Manchester to finalize the deal.
PSG have already secured a replacement for Ugarte, signing Joao Neves from Benfica for €70 million. Consequently, they have been open to selling the Uruguay international, but a difference of around €8 million remained between United’s offer and PSG’s asking price of €60 million.
With Ugarte eager to leave and the French club needing to recoup the funds spent on Neves, both clubs have worked to reach an agreement. Talks progressed over the weekend as PSG have seemingly reduced their demands.
Ugarte, who joined PSG from Sporting CP last season, has struggled for game time under Luis Enrique. At Manchester United, however, he could become the primary starter in the defensive midfield role ahead of Casemiro.
Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui praise Erik ten Hag’s impact after joining Manchester United
Manchester United’s new arrivals, De Ligt and Mazraoui, will undoubtedly strengthen the Red Devils' defensive depth. With injuries to Lenny Yoro and Luke Shaw, both players could potentially feature in their opening Premier League clash against Fulham on Friday, August 16.
De Ligt, who captained Ajax under Ten Hag, has expressed confidence that the coach can once again bring out the best in him, especially after his difficult stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich.
“Erik Ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club," De Ligt said (via Express UK).
Meanwhile, Mazraoui also praised Ten Hag, noting that the Dutchman has played a huge role in his development since he made his debut for Ajax in 2018.
"Erik Ten Hag played an important part in my development as a player, so it is exciting to be reuniting with him as I enter the prime years of my career. I know what he expects from his players, and I will give everything to help the group be successful," Mazraoui said.