Manchester United submit bid to sign 23-year-old PSG star: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Red Devils prioritize strengthening three positions this summer, signing a new center-back, midfielder, and striker.
L'Equipe reports that the Red Devils failed to make a bid for Ugarte because the Ligue 1 giants deemed it too low. However, they are open to further negotiations over a player they signed last summer.
Sky Sports reports that Manchester United have set their sights on signing the Uruguayan midfielder. The Parisians have already rejected an approach from Juventus.
Ugarte joined PSG from Sporting last summer for €60 million (£50 million). He made 37 appearances across competitions and is a holding midfielder who is excellent on the ball and has an eye for goal.
The 16-cap Uruguay international is currently away on international duty at Copa America in the United States. He fits the profile of talent that the new Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is looking to bring to Old Trafford.
PSG boss Luis Enrique raved about Ugarte after watching his debut in a 0-0 draw against FC Lorient (August 12, 2023). He said (via Warriors of Uruguay on X):
"Manuel was magnificent, with and without the ball. He was everywhere, it was a 10/10 [performance]."
Ugarte, who joined PSG last summer, has four years left on his contract. As question marks ensue over Casemiro's future at Manchester United, he could be considered the Brazilian's replacement.
Manchester United target Manuel Ugarte nearly joined Chelsea last summer
Ugarte could have already been playing in the English top flight if Chelsea had followed through with their plan to bring him to Stamford Bridge. They were heavily interested in the Uruguayan while he was at Sporting.
The Blues were leading the race to sign Ugarte until PSG hijacked their deal, offering more money for the defensive midfielder. This led to Manchester United's Premier League rivals pulling the plug, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Ugarte was open to moving to Chelsea, but the club was unwilling to pay more than what they believed was his market value. He'd impressed at Sporting and enjoyed a meteoric rise at Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The young midfield anchor made 85 appearances across competitions, posting one goal and three assists. He particularly impressed in a 1-1 (3-3 aggregate) draw against Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League last 16. Sporting won 5-3 on penalties, and he'd shined, winning 13 of 20 ground duels.
It seems unlikely Chelsea will rival United for his signature, given their focus on signing a new striker and winger. However, he looks to be on Juve's radar.