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Manchester United’s pursuit of a new defensive midfielder may not be as certain as previously reported.
The Red Devils’ interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte is well known, with recent reports indicating that United have submitted a bid worth €45 million for the Uruguayan.
PSG is considering a sale, with clubs like Manchester City, Barcelona, and Liverpool also showing interest in the 23-year-old standout from the Copa America 2024.
However, transfer expert David Ornstein suggests that the potential move is still far from close, downplaying reports of a finalized bid.
Ugarte deal still in the balance
According to The Athletic, the United hierarchy is divided on whether to pursue the Uruguay international, and further discussions are required before any concrete action can be taken.
Although United is interested in the former Sporting Lisbon player, more deliberations are needed before approaching PSG for a potential transfer.
“I think it’s a similar situation with Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain. On the same night as Jarrad Branthwaite’s improved offer, reports came out from France suggesting that an offer from Manchester United had come in for I think around £38 million.
“The checks I made suggested that again, this is perhaps a little bit premature, and that it’s not guaranteed that United are going to go through with the Ugarte deal. I think there’s other interest in him, and I don’t think there is a unanimity inside Old Trafford to go for him, so It’s going to take some more conversations.
“I’m not saying it won’t happen and I’m not saying there’s no interest, because there is. But again, that one is not so advanced for the midfield position,” Ornstein told The Athletic podcast (via GMS).
Midfield reinforcement needed
These comments align with recent reports from The Peoples Person regarding Erik ten Hag’s preference for the defensive midfield position.
The coach favors Sofyan Amrabat’s continued presence over pursuing the PSG star and has even reconciled with Casemiro, hoping for the Brazilian to prove his worth.
There have been discussions about United considering loan signings to strengthen their midfield, given the adjustments required in defense and attack.
United is currently seeking three center-backs and also aiming for forward signings like Joshua Zirkzee, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, or Ivan Toney.
INEOS must not overlook the midfield, which has been a weak point with the defensive midfielders struggling and some players failing to keep up with the intensity of the English game.
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