Manchester United Close to Signing PSG Midfielder Manuel Ugarte as Ineos Era Begins

Manchester United are aiming to be busy in the transfer market as they prepare for a huge summer rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new owners Ineos. Their first major signing of the transfer window could be Paris Saint-Germain 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 were the company to change that, purchasing a majority stake in United, and with a shake-up at staff and boardroom level, it appears that the first player they have agreed on is Ugarte.

The report by ESPN Uruguay emerged after reports ramped up throughout the week that he could be on his way out of the Parc des Princes – and ESPN stating that a move is very likely to be completed. French media also picked up on the potential transfer, 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.

Ugarte featured in 37 games for PSG last season but failed to score in any of them. United, as Fabrizio Romano exclusively told GIVEMESPORT, are negotiating a move for Ugarte, who signed a five-year deal at the Parisians last summer – and despite impressing somewhat, he appears to be on his way out of the club. Solskjaer once wanted Ugarte at United, but a move to England doesn’t seem too far off for the Uruguayan, who is currently at Copa America with his national team.

United are in dire need of a defensive midfielder, and while Paul Pogba 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 Cristiano Ronaldo, United were extremely leaky in all competitions – crashing out of the Champions League early and recording their worst Premier League finish of all time.

If Ugarte does join United, it could present an opportunity for the first signing under the Ineos regime. Discussions have been held regarding Ajax‘s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, as the United manager aims to strengthen his squad at both ends of the pitch. Ugarte is likely to be among the players United will offload this summer after a disappointing second season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking to replace the 32-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo with a midfielder who can complement Paul Pogba.