Manuel Ugarte: Carrick takes final call on midfielder’s future | OneFootball

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been one of the most disappointing signings of the INEOS era.

Signed to take over from the ageing Casemiro by Erik ten Hag, the Uruguayan has struggled with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

Even his Sporting CP boss, Ruben Amorim’s arrival, did little to change his fortunes. So much so that the Brazilian eventually overtook him in the pecking order.

He has started the last five games in a row, and while there have been signs of progress, the Red Devils require a far more mobile midfielder who is comfortable progressing the ball.

Manuel Ugarte has proved to be a disastrous signing

There were murmurs that the co-owners were ready to cut ties, with the Uruguay international attracting interest from France, Turkiye, and Holland.

Galatasaray were ready to offer the 24-year-old an initial loan escape with the option to make it permanent come the summer.

However, Amorim’s sacking and Michael Carrick’s subsequent appointment seems to have changed the narrative around the January deal.

As per ESPN, the caretaker has been assigned the responsibility of guiding the 20-time English league champions back into the Champions League.

Plenty of clubs interested

And the Englishman is not keen to lose anybody in the winter, especially as INEOS are unlikely to sign anyone this month.

Manuel Ugarte Stats: 2025/26 Season

25/26 season stats 

“Michael Carrick will work with the squad he has inherited as Manchester United head coach with the club having no plans to make new signings during the transfer window, sources have told ESPN.

“Sources have said that outgoings are also unlikely, with Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo all expected to remain at the club this month.”

United won’t sell

With Amad, Bryan Mbeumo back, Carrick will have almost a full-strength squad to choose from for the Manchester derby.

It will be interesting to see the formation he goes with and the team he picks. Whether Manuel Ugarte starts will shed light on his immediate future under the new boss.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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