Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Paris Saint-Germain regarding the prospective transfer of midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder is currently representing his country in the Copa America having beat Panama 3-1 and Bolivia 5-0.
It has been reported that United manager Erik ten Hag would love to bring in what Ugarte can offer, especially after the player explained the passion he brings to his game. The 23-year-old joined the Parisian club last summer from Sporting Lisbon for £50 million.
United require midfield reinforcement this summer with the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen getting older and no longer able to endure the rigours of the Premier League. With Kobbie Mainoo, Ugarte could form a brilliant partnership in midfield – which would be good for United.
Ugarte has credited Uruguay’s national psyche and psychology with giving him an edge. Speaking to PSG TV in February, the 23-year-old said;
“Historically, Uruguay has always been characterised by the garra charrua. It is the hunger and giving everything plus a little bit more, because Uruguay always had a lot of quality, but only with spirit, with soul, managed to achieve and win many things from that.”
United have lacked both passion and desire when playing football over the last season, with is most of the ingredients needed to win matches. Without either, the club are set for a major fall. Ten Hag acknowledged after the 1-1 draw with Brentford last season, saying;
“We should show more passion and desire in many moments in the game. There was spirit; there was fight, but not enough.”
Ugarte’s arrival this summer, if that is what happens could give Ten Hag exactly what he wants in the United midfield for next season. Obviously there would be a massive transfer fee to pay for the 23-year-old but he does fit exactly what United require from a midfielder.
United have had some decent Uruguayan players at the club with Diego Forlan, Guillermo Varela, Facundo Pellistri and Edinson Cavani have all played for United with Forlan a cult figure at the club but Cavani being the one that succeeded at the club – which was recently.
With the future of Marcus Rashford not yet resolved, although he has a contract for at least two more years at the club, it could be that United decide to let him leave and PSG would be one of the suitors after losing Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid this summer – it could bring Ugarte’s fee down.
Written by Paul
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