Manchester United's Uruguayan midfielder #25 Manuel Ugarte (L) and Manchester United's French defender #15 Leny Yoro (R) react at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 30, 2025.placeholder image
Manchester United's Uruguayan midfielder #25 Manuel Ugarte (L) and Manchester United's French defender #15 Leny Yoro (R) react at the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on December 30, 2025. | AFP via Getty Images
Man United could allow one of their midfielders to leave before the end of the January transfer window.
For all that’s happened at the club this month, Man United have had a quiet January window in terms of players coming in and out. They are yet to sign anyone, and might not do, as Michael Carrick seems pretty happy with his current group of players.
Potential exits are more likely, as it looked as though a few players could leave the club before Ruben Amorim was sacked. Kobbie Mainoo looked as though he would be on the way out, but that is no longer the case under Carrick.
Joshua Zirkzee also looked a potential exit, as the striker was generating interest from Roma. However, the Italian side signed Donyell Malen from Aston Villa instead. It now seems a new name could be on the way out.
Ajax inquires about Manuel Ugarte
Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte has been a disappointment since he joined from PSG in 2024. He has failed to become a regular starter, and considering his previous Champions League experience and experience playing under Amorim, he has been a massive disappointment.
Former Scotland international Craig Burley summed up Ugarte’s time at Man United so far, as he was quoted in Football 365. He said: “Manuel Ugarte is just absolutely nothing. He’s just like a wet blanket… Seriously.”
It seems as though his time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end, as The Athletic has confirmed that Eredivisie side Ajax have ‘inquired’ about signing Ugarte on a possible loan deal, as new Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff will start his role in February, and they don’t want any long-term commitments.
However, the report says that so far, Man United have rejected any proposals, but seeing as the Red Devils want to sign a new midfielder, they could move on from Ugarte if they find a replacement for the Uruguayan. That may be why United have rejected Ajax’s advances thus far.
Man United want to sign a midfielder in January
If Ugarte is to leave, the Red Devils will need to give Carrick a replacement. It is understood that three names are potential January targets in midfield for United, with the club setting their sights on Carlos Baleba in the summer transfer window.
Secondly, Ruben Neves has also been linked. The former Wolves star is currently at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, but it is understood they are willing to sell him for just £19m. For a player with international and Premier League experience, it could be somewhat of a bargain.
Finally, a younger option in Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki. It is understood that United have been very impressed by Sadiki this season, who at 21, has become a key player for Regis Le Bris. He could command a higher fee than Neves, but could be a future star for the Red Devils. All three are fantastic options to replace Ugarte should he leave Old Trafford.
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