Manchester United Reportedly Close to Securing Manuel Ugarte as First Major Signing Under INEOS Ownership

Manchester United are aiming to be busy in the transfer market as they prepare for a huge summer rebuild under Erik Ten Hag and new owners INEOS – and their first major signing of the transfer window could be PSG star Manuel Ugarte, with reports suggesting that the tough-tackling midfielder will be on his way to Old Trafford soon with a deal thought to be close.

United have been lacklustre for too long in recent seasons, with fans vehemently calling for the Glazer family to sell their stake in the club having progressed downhill massively over the past decade since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. INEOS was the company to change that, purchasing a majority share – and with a shake-up at staff and boardroom level, it appears that the first player they have agreed on is Ugarte – with the 23-year-old reportedly ‘close’ to a move to United.

The report by ESPN Uruguay comes after reports ramped up throughout the week that he could be on his way out of Paris Saint-Germain – and ESPN stating that a move is very likely to be completed.

French outlet L’Equipe initially reported discussions about a potential move, but the process has progressed incredibly quickly in the north-west of England. With ESPN stating that a move is ‘very likely’ to happen, it could be the first major signing of the INEOS era that gives United fans something to look forward to in the coming weeks with a series of huge names being touted with the club, especially with Casemiro being out of form.

Casemiro’s Premier League statistics – Manchester United squad ranking: Appearances 25 – 9th, Assists 2 – =4th, Blocks 1.3 – 1st, Tackles Per Game 3.3 – 1st, Interceptions Per Game 0.7 – =8th, Match rating 6.97 – 2nd.

United, as Fabrizio Romano exclusively told GIVEMESPORT, had discussions with Paris Saint-Germain over Ugarte, who signed a five-year deal at the Parisian last summer – and despite impressing somewhat, he appears to be on his way out of the club.

Reports were quick to suggest a move to United once PSG had flexed their financial muscles to land their man, but a move to England doesn’t seem too far off for the Uruguayan, who is currently at Copa America with his nation.

Ugarte – who reportedly caught the eye of Old Trafford and has been on the radar – made 25 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG last season but was crucially left out of their semi-final clashes against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and after featuring sporadically in the latter stages of the Ligue 1 season, that may have forced his hand for an exit.

United are in dire need of a defensive midfielder, and whilst Casemiro filled in superbly in the 2022/23 season, he wasn’t anywhere near his usual standards in his second campaign. Even with the loan signing of Declan Rice, United were extremely leaky in all competitions – with the club crashing out of the Champions League early and recording their worst Premier League finish of all-time.

If Casemiro does depart having disappointed United, if would leave a gaping hole in front of the defence that Ugarte would fill expertly – and a move for him is arguably the best that United could do at this moment in time.