Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte is on the verge of completing a move to Manchester United, with medical examinations scheduled to take place in the coming days. The highly-rated 22-year-old is expected to sign a long-term contract with the Red Devils, becoming their second major signing of the summer transfer window.
Ugarte’s arrival at Old Trafford would represent a significant boost to Erik ten Hag’s midfield options. The talented youngster has impressed with his performances for Sporting CP in recent seasons, showcasing his exceptional defensive abilities, passing range, and energy on the field.
Manchester United have been closely monitoring Ugarte’s progress for some time and have identified him as a key target to strengthen their midfield. The club has faced competition from several other European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, but it appears that they have won the race for his signature.
The transfer fee for Ugarte is expected to be in the region of €60 million, making him one of the most expensive midfielders to have joined Manchester United in recent years. The club’s willingness to invest heavily in the young Uruguayan is a sign of their ambition to return to the top of English football.
A Rising Star
Manuel Ugarte, a product of the Nacional youth academy in Uruguay, has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in South American football. He made his senior debut for Nacional in 2019 and quickly caught the attention of European scouts with his impressive performances.
In 2021, Ugarte joined Sporting CP on a permanent transfer. He immediately made a significant impact in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, earning praise for his defensive contributions, ball-winning ability, and ability to dictate the tempo of play.
Last season, Ugarte played a key role in Sporting’s success, helping the club win the Portuguese League Cup and reach the semifinals of the Europa League. His performances earned him a place in the Uruguay national team, where he has impressed with his maturity and quality.
A Perfect Fit for Manchester United
Ugarte’s arrival at Manchester United is seen as a perfect fit for the club’s ambitions. His defensive prowess and ability to break up play will complement the attacking talents of players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
The young Uruguayan’s passing range and vision will also be a valuable asset to the Red Devils. He is capable of playing both deep-lying midfield roles and more advanced positions, giving Erik ten Hag tactical flexibility.
Ugarte’s signing is a statement of intent from Manchester United, signaling their desire to compete for the Premier League title and Champions League success. The club’s supporters will be eager to see the young midfielder in action and hope that he can make an immediate impact.
A Busy Summer Transfer Window
Manchester United’s move for Manuel Ugarte is the latest in a series of transfer activities for the club this summer. The Red Devils have already signed Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana from Inter Milan, as they look to rebuild their squad following a disappointing season.
The club’s transfer strategy has been praised by many fans and pundits, who believe that they are making the right moves to strengthen their team. With the addition of Ugarte, Manchester United will have a formidable midfield that can compete with the best in the Premier League.
As the transfer window continues, it remains to be seen if Manchester United will make any further signings. However, the club’s recent activity suggests that they are determined to make a statement and challenge for major honors in the upcoming season.