Manchester United’s expensive midfield experiment with Manuel Ugarte appears to be heading toward an early conclusion. Multiple European clubs are reportedly showing interest in the Uruguayan defensive midfielder, and United seem more than willing to facilitate an exit.

Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain on August 30, 2024, for a base fee of €50 million that could rise to €60 million with performance-based add-ons. Now, United have reportedly set an asking price of around €40 million. In English: they’re already willing to eat a loss on a player whose contract runs until 2029.

The suitors lining up

The list of clubs reportedly interested in Ugarte reads like a tour of European football’s upper-middle class. Juventus, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Galatasaray, Everton, and Crystal Palace have all been linked with the 23-year-old.

Some reports have cited a lower asking price of £24 million, a significant gap from the €40 million figure.

What went wrong at Old Trafford

Ugarte’s move to Manchester was supposed to solve a long-standing problem. United needed a proper defensive midfielder, someone who could screen the back four, win the ball in transition, and let more creative players push forward. At PSG and before that at Sporting CP, Ugarte had built a reputation as exactly that player.

There’s also the wage bill consideration. Ugarte reportedly commands £120,000 per week, a figure that adds up quickly when a player isn’t delivering on the pitch. For a club navigating ongoing squad restructuring and looking to pursue further midfield reinforcements, moving that salary off the books would provide meaningful financial flexibility.

Ugarte himself has reportedly shown a willingness to move, which simplifies things.

The bigger picture for United’s rebuild

For Ugarte personally, there’s a silver lining. He was selected for Uruguay’s 2026 World Cup squad, which provides both a confidence boost and a shop window.