Ugarte’s Future Uncertain Amid Midfield Restructuring at United

Despite being a 34-cap international with a well-established reputation in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, Ugarte has faced challenges in consistently asserting himself in England. Factors such as Manchester United’s midfield instability, frequent tactical adjustments, and a series of injuries have contributed to this struggle. Consequently, the club has rarely witnessed the dominant, ball-winning player they anticipated acquiring from PSG.

Interestingly, Ugarte’s recent resurgence has arisen from necessity rather than design. With Bruno Fernandes and other midfield alternatives unavailable, head coach Ruben Amorim has increasingly relied on the Uruguayan in recent weeks. His notable performance in a recent 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, which propelled United within three points of the top four, marked one of his more convincing displays in a United shirt.

However, despite this positive uptick, it is not anticipated to alter his immediate future at the club. Sources indicate that Ugarte is among the players United is prepared to offload when the January transfer window opens, as Amorim and the club hierarchy aim to reshape the midfield with profiles more aligned with the manager’s long-term vision.

International interest in Ugarte is growing, with both OGC Nice and Galatasaray keeping a close eye on his situation. According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Galatasaray has taken decisive action by exploring a loan agreement that includes an option to buy. Nevertheless, United is reportedly holding out for closer to £26 million ($35 million), determined to minimize financial losses on a player signed just 18 months ago. The same report suggests that Ugarte’s connections with international teammates Fernando Muslera and Lucas Torreira could play a pivotal role, as they have actively encouraged him to consider a move to Istanbul, highlighting the club’s ambitions and the opportunity for him to play a central role.

As United looks to upgrade its midfield, this has become Amorim’s primary goal looking ahead to 2026, with plans to bring in two or three new players across upcoming transfer windows. Domestically, United’s scouting efforts have focused on three Premier League midfielders: Carlos Baleba at Brighton, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, and Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest. Each player represents a distinct profile, but all are regarded as capable of evolving into leadership roles within Amorim’s system. More seasoned options are also under consideration, including Conor Gallagher, who may be available for around €30 million from Atletico Madrid, and Ruben Neves, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when his contract with Al Hilal expires.

Despite these alternatives, United’s interest in Baleba remains strong. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has reaffirmed that the Brighton midfielder continues to be a priority for the club, dispelling recent rumors linking him to Bayern Munich. “One of the names I want to keep on Manchester United’s shortlist is Carlos Baleba,” Romano stated. “In internal discussions, United has not ceased to prioritize Baleba, as he is still seen as an ideal solution by Ruben Amorim and his staff. Baleba, along with Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, is viewed as one of the ideal midfielders for Amorim. Although a January move seems unlikely, should Brighton choose to entertain offers for Baleba, United remains highly interested and in contact with individuals close to the player.

“I can also clarify that recent rumors about Bayern Munich pursuing Baleba are inaccurate. It appears that the player prefers to remain in England, having expressed a desire to join Manchester United last summer. Bayern is aware of this sentiment.”

United is set to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday evening, who currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League after failing to secure a win in any of their 18 matches this season. Amorim’s squad will view this fixture as an opportunity to build on the momentum gained from the victory over Newcastle, even as significant questions loom regarding Ugarte’s future and the overall shape of United’s midfield moving forward.