Manuel Ugarte has emerged as a serious candidate for Ajax this month as they look to reinforce their defensive midfield options.
With a whopping 16-point gap separating the Amsterdam outfit and Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven, Ajax could certainly use all the help they can get for the second half of the campaign.
Alas, they have landed on Manchester United’s Ugarte, having identified a potential opportunity to swoop in and secure his signature amid the club’s turbulent situation; they are still in managerial disarray following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal on Monday.
How Manuel Ugarte is faring as of late
Manuel Ugarte runs with the ball while in action vs Wolves.
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
In the early stages of the campaign, the Uruguayan was utilised sparingly by Amorim, making only two starts in the opening four matches of the term.
Then, when Casemiro was suspended for the trip to face Aston Villa and Kobbie Mainoo was sidelined, it opened the door for Ugarte to be restored to the XI – and he has since retained his place.
The absences of Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes paved the way for the 24-year-old to continue plying his trade in the side without any real threat of him being displaced. However, that could all be about to change now that the pair are at full match fitness.
United agreed a £50.5 million deal to sign Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, although it goes without saying that he has failed to justify such a price tag in the season-and-a-half he’s been at Old Trafford.
Appearances Starts Minutes played
61 44 3,664
Whether that will prompt INEOS to try and facilitate his departure this year remains to be seen – but Ajax are of the belief they’re unlikely to do so this month.
*Ugarte’s record at United (Transfermarkt)
What one journalist is hearing about Ajax and Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte arrives at Elland Road.
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Reputable Dutch journalist Mike Verweij said of the situation (as per Soccernews): “Ugarte, that name has definitely been considered by Ajax.
“Perhaps he’s still an option, but so far Ajax has heard from United that he’s not available for loan. He was also in the starting lineup this week. That doesn’t make it any easier, of course, but I think he could be a very interesting player to loan out for six months.
“(He) certainly remains an option. But I think Daley Blind is a more realistic option at number six right now.
“He can also play as a left-back and left centre-back. And there are other names as well. Ugarte has certainly been mentioned, but I think it’s going to be very difficult.”
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