Manchester City, Barcelona join the race for Manchester United’s top midfield target, Manuel Ugarte | OneFootball

One of Manchester United’s tasks this window is trying to find the perfect replacement for Casemiro, who looks set to be leaving the club this summer.

The Brazilian really struggled in his sophomore season in the Premier League and despite clear-the-air talks with Erik ten Hag, INEOS want him gone.

The manager would prefer to keep Sofyan Amrabat instead of signing a new defensive midfielder, but the new co-owners have a different plan in mind.

They have identified Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain as the perfect alternative but saw their first bid get rejected. Negotiations have continued in the meantime but several other suitors have joined the race.

Ugarte chase

Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing the Uruguayan dynamo as well as United’s fierce rivals Liverpool. The 23-year-old’s exploits for his national team in the Copa America 2024 has caught the eye of Manchester City and Barcelona as well, according to Le10Sport.

“Manuel Ugarte’s performances at the Copa America confirm the midfielder’s potential. Although he had a rough patch with PSG this season, he seems to have regained full possession of his abilities.

“It’s no surprise to see some of Europe’s big clubs positioning themselves on him. According to our information, three clubs have already made concrete moves in the Ugarte case: Manchester United, but also Manchester City and FC Barcelona!”

It will not be as straightforward for the 20-time English league champions to land the former Sporting Lisbon star as previously thought.

Enrique’s will most important

The report also mentions that Luis Enrique, the player’s coach at the Parc des Princes, will have the final say on the midfield general’s future. The player, on his part, would love to join the Old Trafford side as per reports.

PSG had bought Ugarte for €60 million and will not want to take a massive financial hit on their investment considering it has only been one season for the Uruguayan in Ligue 1.

He had started strongly last season for his new club, only for his minutes to drastically reduce as the season went on. However, the latest Copa America edition has reminded the world of his talents again and the Parisian outfit will likely ask for the same amount as they initially paid for the star.

Whether United can get their man for a cheaper deal remains to be seen. However, defensive midfield is certainly one area in need of reinforcements irrespective of what happens with both Casemiro and Amrabat and INEOS are right to try and acquire Ugarte, someone with a lot of potential and with age on his side.

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