Manchester United are making big moves in this transfer market. Along with players, United have made key changes in their board and have brought some new coaches too. Now the club is focused to sign some top quality players in an attempt to win the Premier League for first time in last 12 years. Erik Ten Hag’s side wants to fill multiple positions this summer. One of that position is midfielder. United want to sign a defensive midfielder and are linked with some of the best players across europe. However, Barcelona are trying to hijack a move of one midfielder to Manchester.
United’s midfield situation
United are desperately looking to sign a new midfielder. Casemiro has not been effective as he was in Real Madrid ever since his arrival two years ago. It is reported that the Red Devils are willing to part ways with the Brazilian international. Along with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen is also headed to leave Old Trafford. Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat are not linked with away moves but their future is still not certain at Manchester.
Kobbie Mainoo is very likely to start regularly next season. The 19 year old have emerged as key player for both United and England national team. If he is paired with a proper defensive midfielder, Mainoo can prove absolutely clinical for Ten Hag. United were linked with Joao Neves and Manuel Ugarte. However signing Neves seems close to impossible for the Premier League side.
It was revealed that United made an offer of €60 million for Neves which was quickly rejected by Benfica. Later, United improved their bid and offered €70 million in a hope that Benfica change their mind. However, Benfica have revealed that the only way to sign Neves is by triggering his €120 million release clause. Along with United, Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing Joao Neves.
According to recent reports, United have given up on Neves and hence they may turn all their attention to Manuel Ugarte. PSG are prepared to sell the Uruguay international. The sale of Ugarte will help PSG in generating enough fund to go all out for Neves. PSG signed Ugarte last year for €60 million ans hence will demand a transfer fee higher than it. United have already submitted an opening bid of €45 million but they soon will need to raise their bid for sure.
Barcelona to join race with Manchester United for Ugarte
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s priority is to sign a midfielder and Ugarte is the one of the name linked. However, it won’t be easy for La Liga side to get their hands on Ugarte due to their current financial situation. The 22 year old is expected to cost atleast €60 million which could push Barca very back in the race. The Spanish giants need to sell some of their established stars for this deal to happen. Ronald Araujo and Raphinha have been linked recently with an move away from Camp Nou.
How good was Ugarte in 2023/24 season
Manchester United and Barcelona target Manuel Ugarte was very good in Ligue 1 last season. The 22 year old played 25 matches. Out of the 25, Ugarte started in 21 in his first season with French gaints. Ugarte has been very good in passing and has achieved 91.5% passing accuracy. In addition, the 22 year old is superb in providing long passes with a success rate of 78.2 percentage. Ugarte won 57 tackles and made 40 interceptions. He won 160 ground duels, 14 ariel duels and made impressive amount of 181 recoveries. Most of the tackles made by Ugarte are clean as he received only 5 yellow cards and 0 red cards throughout the season. Ugarte finished the season with an overall rating of 7.52 and lifting the Ligue 1 trophy with PSG.
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