Manchester United have not been active in the January transfer window so far but a proposal has been made for Manuel Ugarte.
At the start of the month, reports claimed that Manuel Ugarte was open to leaving Manchester United following his struggles at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim failed to get the best out of Ugarte, and now it is up to Michael Carrick to try and make the most of United’s £42 million midfielder.
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If United are going to make a signing in January, it will likely be a new midfielder, but that could depend on departures.
Ajax have shown interest in Manuel Ugarte, and it has now been revealed how United have responded.
Manuel Ugarte watching on against Wolves
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Man United stance on loaning out Manuel Ugarte
Now that Kobbie Mainoo’s United career is revived, Ugarte has fallen back down the midfield pecking order at Old Trafford.
However, The Athletic report that United have so far closed the door on Ugarte leaving and have rejected Ajax’s proposal.
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Ajax proposed a loan move for Ugarte, as the Dutch club are currently not committing to any long-term transfer decisions before the arrival of Jordi Cruyff as sporting director next month.
The same can be said of United. Ineos are waiting until the summer to appoint a permanent head coach to replace Carrick, and that is why little transfer activity is expected this month.
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United legend Rio Ferdinand has been confused by Ugarte after initially being told that he would be a strong defensive midfielder when he first joined
That confusion and frustration has been shared by much of United’s fanbase. It feels as though Ugarte never truly found his best position under Erik ten Hag or Amorim.
Ironically, Ugarte starred under Darren Fletcher, enjoying one of his best performances in the recent match against Burnley.
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If United are transitioning back to a midfield three, which seems likely under Carrick, then perhaps there is a future for Ugarte in Manchester.
But Carrick has 16 games remaining, and Ugarte will know that he has to prove himself in those matches before the end of the season.
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