Manchester United Set for Midfield Overhaul with Manuel Ugarte’s Future in Doubt
Manchester United are expected to oversee significant changes in midfield this summer, with several players facing uncertain futures.
The shift in direction has become more evident in recent months, particularly following managerial changes that have altered selection patterns.
With performances improving under the current setup, decisions are now being made with a clearer focus on consistency and attacking output.
One name increasingly at the centre of speculation is Manuel Ugarte, whose role at Old Trafford has diminished despite arriving with high expectations.
The midfielder joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 and has gone on to make 69 appearances for the club, but his involvement this season has been far more limited.
He has featured just 24 times across all competitions during the current campaign, with only seven of those appearances coming since Michael Carrick took charge earlier this year.
That drop in minutes has raised serious questions about his long-term place in the squad, especially as United continue to evolve tactically.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ugarte’s representative, Jorge Mendes, has already begun exploring potential exits ahead of the summer window.
The influential agent is believed to have offered the Uruguayan international to both AC Milan and Juventus, while interest from Napoli has also been mentioned in recent reports.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is the possibility of a deal involving Rafael Leao heading in the opposite direction.
The AC Milan forward has emerged as a potential target for Manchester United, with the Italian side reportedly open to selling the winger under the right conditions.
This has led to suggestions that Manuel Ugarte could be included in negotiations as part of a wider agreement between the two clubs.
Leao’s pace, creativity, and attacking output would offer something different to United’s frontline, aligning with the club’s desire to add more dynamism in wide areas.
For Ugarte, meanwhile, a move to Serie A could provide the consistent playing time that has been difficult to secure in Manchester this season.
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