Manchester United have reportedly set a £30 million asking price for midfielder Manuel Ugarte, with AC Milan initiating talks over a potential transfer. The development comes after Milan appointed former United manager Ruben Amorim as their new head coach earlier this week, the Portuguese signing a two-year contract with the Serie A club.
Milan’s pursuit of Amorim followed the dismissal of Massimiliano Allegri due to the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, dropping from third to fifth in Serie A on the final day of the season. Amorim himself was sacked by United five months ago after a challenging spell at Old Trafford, achieving a win percentage of just 38% across 63 games.
According to the Daily Mirror, Amorim has identified Ugarte as a ‘top summer target’ and is keen to reunite with the Uruguayan international, having previously worked together at Sporting and brought him to United in a £42 million deal in 2024. Despite initial optimism, Ugarte struggled to make a significant impact in the Premier League.
Interim manager Carrick rarely featured Ugarte, and it has been widely understood that the current United boss is open to selling the player. Ugarte himself recently expressed a desire to remain at the club and fight for his place, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to English football. However, the arrival of Atalanta midfielder Ederson for £35 million, coupled with Carrick’s stance, appears to have changed the situation.
The 25-year-old has now instructed his agent, Jorge Mendes, to explore potential opportunities, with Mendes already opening discussions with Milan. A move to Milan would mark Ugarte’s third time working under Amorim. While Milan may consider United’s £30 million valuation slightly high, there is an expectation that a compromise can be reached given Carrick’s lack of plans for the player. This transfer could allow United to further reshape their midfield options ahead of the new season.
