Manchester United have an ambitious transfer shortlist this summer, with an ideal window likely to see six first-team additions.
After a horrific 15th-place Premier League campaign, Ineos were always going to have to make a statement this summer.
Manchester United have so far signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves and are also closing in on the addition of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
Following these two arrivals, United are expected to want four more signings, with key positions still yet to be strengthened by Ineos this summer.
Among these is a new central midfielder, with slightly more cost-effective options being considered at around the £20m to £30m mark. United have also been offered Douglas Luiz by Juventus.
However, if Amorim’s midfield stance is anything to go by, a midfielder really won’t be on the priority list.
Manuel Ugarte of Uruguay celebrates with Facundo Pellistri.
Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim is a big fan of Manuel Ugarte
While a new midfielder is desired by the club, it isn’t high on the priority list with funds not being thrown at the position.
There could be a good reason for that with Ben Jacobs telling The United Stand that Amorim remains convinced Manuel Ugarte can become a star for the club.
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“If there is to be another midfielder, there will have to be a Casemiro outgoing because I am told clearly that Amorim likes Manuel Ugarte and sees him as a good fit and profile, and the right kind of athlete and mentality for what he is looking for in his midfield.
“My understanding is the complete other extreme [on Amorim not being fond of Ugarte], Amorim really likes Ugarte and a lot of people at the club think he’s going to have an incredible season now he’s been able to bed in.”
This is to the contrary of what Amorim’s previous comments on midfield profiles seemed to indicate about Ugarte. When signed, Ugarte was viewed as the midfield destroyer to slot into United’s team for years to come.
Ugarte has already shown glimpses of excellence at Manchester United
Within Ugarte’s maiden season with United, there were some real lows but also some highs from the Uruguayan. In review, Ugarte had a solid first year at United, however, he is clearly expected to improve.
Most players take time to adapt to the Premier League, and Ugarte is no different having not actually arrived at United until mid-September which was always going to lead to a steep learning curve.
Ugarte gave plenty of performances that were encouraging, however, it was clear that he needed to improve.
One of his best performances came against Manchester City, with Ugarte dominating the Manchester Derby in midfield, with a display that gives us hope he can find consistency and improve his on-ball qualities.
There is a player there, and hopefully, in a better and more settled team next season he will show it.