Manchester United are prepared to listen to offers for Manuel Ugarte in the January transfer window, with the midfielder no longer viewed as part of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans.
That’s according to former United chief scout Mick Brown, who told Football Insider the club will sanction a sale if the right bid arrives.
£50m star Ugarte has struggled to secure regular minutes this season and has fallen behind other midfield options, starting only three Premier League games.
United open to Ugarte exit as Amorim reshapes midfield
Man Utd Manuel Ugarte
Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful modern era, claims United are now ready to move Ugarte on.
“Amorim doesn’t see Ugarte as part of his plans,” Brown said.
“He’s done very little when he has been given the opportunity… he just isn’t of the required level.”
Brown added that United are prepared to accept a suitable offer in January, with any fee raised reinvested immediately into the squad.
“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,” he added.
Ugarte’s difficult season continues
Manuel Ugarte in action for Manchester United
United signed Ugarte with the hope he would become a long-term midfield anchor, but the 24-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign. His form has dipped significantly from last season, and he has lost out on a starting role to Casemiro, despite the Brazilian missing games through injury.
Football Insider previously reported that United are desperate to sign a new midfielder, and an Ugarte exit would clear both budget and squad space for that plan. Brown echoed that sentiment:
“It’s clear the midfield is going to be their main area of focus… letting him go means they’ll want to bring in somebody else.”
Despite his struggles, Brown believes Ugarte would attract interest:
“He’s still young, and not being good enough for Man United doesn’t make you a bad player… if they get a big offer, I would expect him to leave.”
United considering major reinforcements
Bournemouth attacker Antoine SemenyoAction Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs
Ugarte’s potential departure aligns with United’s broader recruitment plans. Football Insider previously reported that United are considering moves for Elliot Anderson and Antoine Semenyo - deals that could cost as much as £170 million combined.
Brown has described Anderson as a top target, while Semenyo is viewed as a player United may move quickly for in order to beat other clubs to his signature.
With Amorim keen to capitalise on United’s positive start to the season, the January window is shaping up to be significant. An Ugarte exit would mark the beginning of that restructuring, with midfield widely seen as the club’s main priority.
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