Manchester United’s midfield rebuild looks set to continue this summer, with Manuel Ugarte increasingly expected to be part of a wider clear-out at Old Trafford.
Behind the scenes, transfer expert Jorge Mendes is understood to be exploring options to accelerate the Uruguayan’s departure, with reports suggesting discussions are being prepared to advance a move away from the club in the coming months.
The situation reflects a broader shift taking place at United, where changes are expected regardless of whether interim boss Michael Carrick is handed the job on a permanent basis. Carrick’s recent spell has strengthened his case, but the club’s recruitment plans already appear well underway.
Midfield is clearly a priority area. United are expected to bring in at least two new players in that department this summer, with further arrivals not ruled out depending on outgoings.
That overhaul is being shaped by uncertainty over existing squad members.
Casemiro is also expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, despite appreciation from sections of the fanbase for his leadership and performances since arriving. The club’s long-term planning, however, points in a different direction.
Ugarte’s future now appears to be heading the same way.
According to Uruguayan journalist Rodri Vazquez, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes is actively working on potential exit options, with talks expected in the near future over a possible transfer. United are said to be targeting a fee in the region of €28m (£24m), as they look to recover part of the £42m spent when he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain.
Vazquez outlined the situation on X, stating:
“Manuel Ugarte is reportedly nearing an exit from Manchester United. His representative, Jorge Chijane, is scheduled to meet with agent Jorge Mendes in the coming days to facilitate the Uruguayan midfielder’s departure. The English club is seeking to negotiate a permanent transfer for a fee in the region of €28,000,000. Atlético Madrid and Napoli are currently identified as the primary interested parties..”
Interest in Ugarte is already forming in Europe, with clubs in Italy and Spain monitoring the situation closely. Atlético Madrid and Napoli are both mentioned as potential destinations, though the picture remains open at this stage.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has also provided an update, reinforcing the idea that United’s midfield group could look very different by the end of the summer window.
Romano said on his YouTube channel:
“United will go for at least two midfielders in the summer. Maybe more, but at minimum two.”
He also referenced Casemiro’s situation and wider interest from abroad:
“As reported in March, Inter Miami maintains a strong interest in Casemiro. The player is currently evaluating potential options for his career. However, the expectation persists that he will depart from Manchester United. Should circumstances evolve, further updates will be issued; however, this represents the current assessment.”
On Ugarte specifically, Romano added:
“Manuel Ugarte is also anticipated to depart from Manchester United when the season ends. This outcome continues to be the prevailing expectation. While there is a minimal chance of him remaining with the club, it is currently considered highly probable with estimations suggesting a 90 to 95 percent likelihood that he will leave.”
He continued:
“His agent, Jorge Mendes, is currently evaluating various offers and inquiries. Clubs from Italy and Turkey have already expressed interest, and additional teams may soon become contenders.
Although no final decisions have been reached, Ugarte’s departure is anticipated. Consequently, with both Casemiro and Ugarte moving on, a minimum of two new midfielders are expected to be acquired.”
For United, the message is becoming increasingly clear. This is not just a case of adding reinforcements, but reshaping the entire midfield structure heading into a new cycle.
Ugarte’s future now sits firmly within that wider reset, with movement expected once the summer window opens.
