Manchester United struggling to sign Manuel Ugarte from PSG due to “battle of egos” | OneFootball

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain remain engaged in a long drawn-out negotiation for Manuel Ugarte, and it is being suggested that the reason behind the same is not limited to just disagreement over the player’s valuation.

Under the INEOS leadership, United have already made four first-team signings impressively without dragging the saga for far too long for any transfer.

However, Dan Ashworth and company have struggled to show the same swiftness in bringing Ugarte to Old Trafford. The Uruguayan midfielder is considered Erik ten Hag’s priority target due to his aggressive style of play and ability to cover the ground.

The 23-year-old is also keen on moving to Manchester, having reportedly already given his greenlight last month.

Still, the two clubs are yet to reach a consensus to get the deal for Ugarte over the line. Now, journalist Duncan Castles has shed light on the negotiations that have turned into a “battle of egos”.

He revealed on The Transfers Podcast that PSG have no interest in accepting a loan with an obligation to buy arrangement for their asset. They expect to bag a €60 million fee, their asking price from the get-go, as soon as possible.

Castles adds that one of the reasons the deal has been delayed is that it has become “something of a battle of egos between Nasser Al Khelaifi, the President of PSG, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.”

Reflecting on United’s sale process that took place last year, he continued: “People tried to say there was a separation between Qatar’s bid for Manchester United and the ownership of Paris Saint-Germain.

“However, my guidance throughout that process was that it was a state-run attempt to purchase United. The state of Qatar lost, Ratcliffe won that battle, and as I’m being told, Khelaifi wants to make sure he exerts or reminds Ratcliffe that he can’t get his way in everything.”

Regardless of this battle, PSG expect the deal to be done, but on their terms.

During the long saga, United have also explored potential alternatives. Much has already been reported about Sander Berge. But the Norwegian midfielder has now left Burnley for Fulham.

Castles claims that the Red Devils have also explored the possibility of signing long-term target Frenkie De Jong.

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