Manchester United Secures Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain

Manchester United has officially announced the signing of midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. The initial fee for the transfer is reported to be £42 million, with potential performance-related add-ons that could elevate the total value of the deal to £50.5 million.

Ugarte was a key target for Manchester United during the summer transfer window, and it is understood that he was keen on making the move to Old Trafford. Unfortunately, he will not be eligible to make his debut in the upcoming match against rivals Liverpool.

The negotiations began with Paris Saint-Germain aiming for a fee of £51.1 million, which was the amount they paid to Sporting Lisbon prior to bonuses last summer. However, a compromise was reached, allowing the deal to proceed.

To facilitate Ugarte’s transfer, Manchester United needed to offload some players. The departures of Facundo Pellistri and Hannibal Mejbri from the squad were necessary to create space for the new signing.

Last season in Ligue 1, Ugarte demonstrated his skills by leading the league in tackles with a total of 98, despite starting only 21 matches. His ability to excel in defense has made him an attractive addition for United’s manager, Erik ten Hag.

Ugarte’s signing is part of a wider strategy by Manchester United to strengthen their midfield. The club aims to pair him with younger talents like Kobbie Mainoo, complementing the strengths and weaknesses of both players.

His recent stint at Paris Saint-Germain saw him struggle with the possession-heavy style under manager Luis Enrique. However, his time at Sporting Lisbon showcased his true potential, earning him a spot on Manchester United’s radar.