Manchester United’s ambitious transfer window is set to continue with the club’s strong interest in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Red Devils have already made significant investments this season but appear intent on further bolstering their squad.
Ugarte’s Journey to PSG
Ugarte, a 22-year-old Uruguayan footballer, has already agreed personal terms with Manchester United. The deal now hinges on finalizing terms with PSG, a step that United are reportedly keen to expedite.
Ugarte’s career has seen a meteoric rise. He started his European journey with a transfer from Fenix to Famalicao in January 2021 for €3 million. His impressive performances led to a move to Sporting CP later that year. In July 2023, Ugarte made a high-profile switch to PSG for a substantial €60 million fee.
Performance and Stats
While his goal-scoring record might not stand out—he has yet to notch a goal in Ligue 1 for PSG—his role as a defensive midfielder has been instrumental. In the 2023-2024 Ligue 1 season, Ugarte made 25 appearances, providing two assists and playing 1,935 minutes. His defensive stats are equally impressive:
- Winning 161 out of 303 duels
- Achieving a rating of 7.132
During his stint at Sporting CP, Ugarte continued to display his defensive prowess. In the 2022-2023 Primeira Liga season, he appeared in 31 matches, playing 2,367 minutes and winning 216 out of 393 duels, earning a rating of 7.086.
Trophies and Achievements
Ugarte’s trophy cabinet is already filling up. He was part of the PSG squad that clinched the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions in the 2023-2024 season. His earlier achievements include winning the Taça da Liga with Sporting CP in the 2021-2022 season.
Manchester United’s Current Squad
As for Manchester United, the club is clearly in a rebuilding phase under the current management. Their squad boasts a mix of seasoned players like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, and younger talents such as Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho. The potential addition of Ugarte would bring a blend of youth and experience, further strengthening United’s midfield.
The Red Devils have a busy schedule ahead, with their Premier League campaign kicking off against Fulham on August 16, 2024. Other notable fixtures include:
- Clashes with Liverpool
- Matches against Tottenham
- Games against Manchester City
The club’s management is likely eager to finalize Ugarte’s transfer to integrate him into the squad as soon as possible.
Potential Impact of Ugarte’s Signing
If the deal goes through, Ugarte will become Manchester United’s third signing of the summer transfer window, highlighting the club’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging for top honors both domestically and in Europe.
