League leaders to test United’s resolve in January for £50m star signed by Erik ten Hag

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·27 October 2025

League leaders to test United’s resolve in January for £50m star signed by Erik ten Hag

Galatasaray have reportedly set their sights on a mid-season move for Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte.

Indeed, the Super Lig leaders are said to have added Ugarte to their transfer shortlist in the build-up to the January transfer window, as reported by journalist Erol Evcen.

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It has not been specified whether Galatasaray’s interest is for a loan or permanent transfer, although you’d imagine United would be fully closed off to the prospect of the latter, given there’d still be so much football left to play.

How has Manuel Ugarte fared this campaign?

Ugarte struggled during United’s 3-1 loss at the Gtech Community Stadium. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Ugarte, like his counterpart Kobbie Mainoo, has not been able to cement a starting role under Ruben Amorim.

The Uruguayan has featured from the off in two Premier League matches this season, doing so against Manchester City and Brentford – both of which were defeats.

He was an unused substitute for the win over Burnley at the end of August and has been utilised off the bench in six games, totalling 283 minutes of action in 2025/2026.

Would United be open to offloading Ugarte in two months’ time?

The former Sporting Lisbon and Paris Saint-Germain star signed a five-year contract upon his arrival at Old Trafford. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old, who was signed during Erik ten Hag’s reign in a £50.2 million deal last summer, has often received mixed reviews from supporters.

From their point of view, Mainoo is the preferred candidate to play alongside Casemiro in the middle of the park, with Bruno Fernandes operating in a more advanced, attacking role further afield.

However, it does seem as though Ugarte ranks higher in Amorim’s estimations than the young Carrington graduate. In which case, you’d imagine the head coach would look to intervene and block any potential winter exit for his midfielder.