Man Utd co-owner Ratcliffe pushes for Ugarte sale after disappointing spell
Manchester United are prepared to sell midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe personally driving the decision to move the player on, according to reports. The Athletic states that Ratcliffe, having watched Ugarte's performance in the 2-1 home defeat to Leeds United on April 13, is of the view the Uruguayan should be made available for transfer. The club signed Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for £50.5 million in the summer of 2024.
Sources have told TEAMtalk that Ugarte himself is willing to leave Old Trafford in search of regular first-team football. The 25-year-old has struggled to establish himself under interim manager Michael Carrick, failing to secure a consistent starting role even with the injury absence of Kobbie Mainoo. His full 90-minute appearance against Leeds, a match United lost, is understood to have solidified the club's hierarchy's opinion that his future lies elsewhere.
Despite Carrick reportedly rating the midfielder highly, Ugarte's desire for more playing time aligns with the club's need to raise funds through player sales. His departure would represent a significant financial loss on their initial investment, but would free up both a squad place and resources for a potential rebuild under a likely permanent manager. The club's football operations, now led by Ratcliffe's INEOS group, are looking to streamline the squad after a mixed season that currently sees United third in the Premier League.
Interest in Ugarte is understood to be widespread. TEAMtalk reports that Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray are pushing hard to secure his signature, with a move to Istanbul currently seen as the most likely outcome. There is also noted Premier League interest from Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, while Serie A's Juventus have also been linked. The breadth of interest suggests United could still recoup a portion of their outlay, though likely at a reduced fee.
Ugarte's time at United has been defined by an inability to adapt and impress consistently. Having arrived with a reputation as a tenacious ball-winner from his spells at Sporting CP and PSG, he has failed to replicate that form in England. His potential exit after just two seasons underscores the continued volatility in United's midfield planning and the new ownership's intent to make decisive, performance-based decisions on the squad's future.
