Manchester United’s busy summer transfer window will not solve all of Ruben Amorim’s problems in his squad.
Heading into the summer transfer window, Manchester United were thought to be preparing for a clear-out with just four players considered untouchable by Ruben Amorim.
Such a drastic axing of double-digit players looks unlikely at this stage, with no sales completed or close to getting done as of right now.
In terms of arrivals, United have secured Matheus Cunha, paying Wolves the £62.5m release fee over three years. Following Cunha, United are closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, with an offer north of £60m submitted for the Brentford star.
If completed, that will be £122.5m laid down already this summer, with several other positions considered weak and in need of an addition.
So, with a striker and goalkeeper probably next on the list of priorities, United likely won’t be able to afford a new midfielder this summer. Leaving Amorim with his current options for another season.
Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United walks off the pitch after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Ipswich Town FC
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manuel Ugarte tipped to shine for Manchester United
United have shown interest in Adam Wharton, which would be a blockbuster and marquee signing in midfield, but at £60m, he’d be a target for summer 2026.
Instead, as Ben Jacobs tells The United Stand, Ineos and Amorim have confidence that Manuel Ugarte can put first-season woes behind him and become the key player he has shown glimpses of being.
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“What we have to remember when you think about the deep-lying midfielders, there is big, big faith in Manuel Ugarte to be a real fit in this system and thrive.
“They think we will see him continue to grow into his Manchester United role and become a top player, and that is the perspective of Ruben Amorim, I am told.”
Continuing, Jacobs admitted that with the likes of Ugarte and also Kobbie Mainoo being backed to succeed, United are in no rush to spend big on a number eight.
“Amorim quite likes the existing options he has in that position.”
If United are to sign another midfielder, it is more likely to be on the cheaper side. Jacobs mentioned United’s interest in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester, who is available for just £9m this summer.
Ugarte’s 2024-25 season leaves plenty of room for improvement under Ruben Amorim
Ugarte cost United £42m last summer, and so it is no surprise that the club are expecting him to be a star and improve from the 6/10 levels shown in his debut campaign, as seen in his stats via SofaScore.
Infographic of Manuel Ugarte's 2024-25 stats for Manchester United.
Infographic by SofaScore of Manuel Ugarte’s 2024-25 stats for Manchester United.
Despite being far from a bad season, Ugarte was Ineos’ least good signing last season, and he will be desperate to improve for the new season.
Ugarte was left out of the Europa League final, which summed up his season, with the gauntlet set to ensure he becomes irreplaceable for Amorim.
Ugarte will benefit from playing alongside Bruno Fernandes, which is the likely pairing. With Ugarte able to do what he’s good at and win the ball back before giving it off to Fernandes, who can then create with Cunha and Mbeumo.