Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy remains unchanged despite a serious knee injury to midfielder Manuel Ugarte, with the club still planning to recruit three new central midfielders before the transfer window closes.
The Uruguay international sustained knee ligament damage during a recent international match against Spain and faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
United publicly expressed support for Ugarte following the injury, but internal discussions have confirmed the club’s commitment to its existing midfield overhaul plans, according to sources at TEAMtalk.
The Red Devils had already intended to bring in three central midfielders this summer, and that objective will not be altered by Ugarte’s absence. While a potential sale for the Uruguayan has now been ruled out, United still intend to sign a player to fill the role he would have occupied.
Prior to the injury, Ugarte was expected to be part of a midfield reshuffle, with Galatasaray and former manager Ruben Amorim, now at AC Milan, both showing interest in a move. However, the severity of the injury has ended any prospect of a transfer this summer.
Casemiro has already departed, and Ugarte’s injury means he will remain at Old Trafford during his recovery, but the club is determined to proceed with its recruitment drive. A deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is already agreed, and United are now focused on securing two further additions.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox is actively pursuing several targets, including West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid is also a player of interest, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his future under returning manager Jose Mourinho.
Ugarte’s injury is a setback for the player, who had hoped to establish himself as a key figure this season, but the club is fully supportive of his recovery. United’s recruitment department remains focused on delivering the midfield rebuild they believe is essential ahead of the new campaign.
With Ederson already secured and two further additions anticipated, Ugarte’s injury has altered the personnel available to manager Michael Carrick, but not the scale of Manchester United’s ambitions.
