Manuel Ugarte in action for Man United, with Ruben Amorim in a circular inset
(Credit: Imago)
Callum O'Connell
Sun 14 December 2025 19:00, UK
Man United are planning to entertain offers for Manuel Ugarte in the January transfer window and will let him leave for the right price.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period, exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old is not part of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans.
Ugarte’s performances for Man United have declined this season and he has lost out on a regular midfield spot to Casemiro, having started just three times this term.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in October that Man United are desperate to sign a new midfielder, and Ugarte’s exit could facilitate a new arrival.
Any money raised from selling the Uruguay international is likely to be put back into the transfer kitty as Amorim aims to strengthen in multiple key positions.
Man United Manuel Ugarte looking focused
Credit: Imago
Man United plan to accept Manuel Ugarte offer
Football Insider revealed on 16 November that Man United are targeting big-name midfielders to bolster Amorim’s squad when the transfer window opens.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, has insisted the Red Devils will be open to offers for Ugarte as they eye a midfield overhaul.
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“Amorim doesn’t see Ugarte as part of his plans,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s done very little when he has been given the opportunity to show why he should be getting more regular game time, he just isn’t of the required level.
“Ultimately, the manager will be given the freedom to make his own decisions.
“From what I’m told, he’s willing to let Ugarte go to raise some money, and then that money will be spent on trying to strengthen the squad.
“It’s clear the midfield is going to be their main area of focus, that’s where they want to strengthen, so letting him go means they’ll want to bring in somebody else.
Ruben Amorim looks dejected after Manchester United defeat
Credit: Imago
“If they can do that, they’ll definitely look into it, and I have no doubt Ugarte will have suitors.
“He’s still young, and not being good enough for Man United doesn’t make you a bad player by any means.
“If they get a big offer for him, I would expect him to leave.”
Man United could move for two top targets in January
As part of Amorim’s plans to bolster his squad, United have been linked with a number of big-name targets including the likes of Elliot Anderson and Antoine Semenyo.
Brown told Football Insider on 6 December that Man United could pay £170million for both Anderson and Semenyo as they aim to beat rivals to their signatures.
The boss is believed to be keen to capitalise on what has been a strong start to the season so far by adding to his squad in key areas of the pitch.
Elliot Anderson running while playing for Nottingham Forest
Credit: Imago
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Anderson is Man United’s top target as they are determined to strengthen in midfield as a priority.
Meanwhile, Man United plan to accelerate signing Semenyo in a bid to beat their rivals to the deal given the level of interest in the Bournemouth star.
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