According to Fabrizio Romano, GIVEMESPORT, Manchester United is getting close to acquiring midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, with a few issues regarding the financial arrangement still to be finalized.

Ugarte had a challenging first season in Paris, making just 21 starts in Ligue 1 for PSG in their championship-winning campaign. Due to Luis Enrique’s preference for players like Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Fabian Ruiz in his midfield, the Uruguayan is seeking a transfer to a team where he will be a key member.

With the Red Devils and the 23-year-old agreeing to personal terms back in July, United has given him this route out. Even with this concession from the player’s end, the two clubs have been unable to come to an agreement about the fee for a number of weeks. However, Romano has indicated that a resolution to this impasse is imminent.

United is catching up to Ugarte

The athlete might take Casemiro’s place.

Manuel Ugarte, a midfielder for PSG, warming up

After arriving in Europe in 2020, Ugarte signed a €3 million contract with Portuguese team Famalico. A year later, he made his major transfer, spending €6.5 million to join Primeira Liga powerhouse Sporting. Following his rise to prominence as one of the continent’s most promising defensive midfielders, PSG made a bold approach last summer to acquire the Uruguay international.

But because his debut season at the Parc des Princes hasn’t gone as expected, boss Enrique has decided that he is no longer needed. Ugarte has been identified by United as their “top target” in midfield as they attempt to take advantage of this circumstance.

It seems the long-running story may finally be coming to an end after weeks of rumors surrounding the transaction. In an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT on Friday, August 23, Romano gave the most recent information about the potential transfer:

“There is a close agreement amongst clubs. They are focusing on these and other factors, such as the payment conditions and agreement structure. After that, it is highly likely that Manuel Ugarte will sign with Manchester United.

Therefore, I believe that this deal will close. Though there is still work to be done, the end is very, very near.”

The nature of the payments is still up for negotiation between the two clubs, although it is anticipated that the agreement will materialize at roughly £51 million. As the lone defensive midfielder, Ugarte is expected to replace Casemiro in Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup, maybe with players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

The Montevideo-born player, who has been called “world-class,” is anticipated to strengthen a United midfield that, except from Sheffield United, gave up more shots than any other Premier League team in the previous campaign.

Ugarte’s 2023–2024 Ligue 1 Statistics

Looks

25

Helps

2.

Obtain Passivity

91.2%

Advance Passes Every 90

4.05

Important Passes Every 90

0.65

Attacks Per Ninety

4.56

90 Interceptions Per

1.86

‘Offered’ by United Chilwell

There is no need for the left-back at Stamford Bridge.

Ben Chilwell of Chelsea celebrates following a 1-0 victory over Fulham.

Following the completion of a deal for Ugarte, focus can shift to left-back strengthening. Due to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s ongoing fitness problems, Ten Hag has been forced to use Diogo Dalot out of position on the left side of the Red Devils’ back four.

United has ‘been given’ the chance to buy Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell and is therefore looking to add a left-back in the final phases of the transfer window. The England international is being pursued by the Blues in the next seven days as Marc Cucurella and new signing Renato Veiga have surpassed him in the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.