Manchester United are in the midst of managerial change, but there is still a chance transfer business can be conducted this month, with a potential upgrade on Manuel Ugarte considered.
After Ruben Amorim was sacked last week, Manchester United’s immediate future was cast into doubt with the project set to be reset come May when a new permanent manager arrives.
Whoever is appointed at the end of the season will want to bolster the midfield ranks at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte all potentially in the final year at the club.
This could mean two or three midfielders are signed in the summer, with one manager target Thomas Tuchel sure to demand Elliot Anderson.
However, while the summer could see major moves, January represents a chance for the midfield to be bolstered, even if just with budget friendly options.
Now, it is reported that there are still chances of this happening.
Who should now be Man Utd’s top transfer target in January 2026?
After missing out on Antoine Semenyo, who should Manchester United be targeting?
Ruben Neves still linked with joining Manchester United
It has been claimed United categorically won’t sign anybody in January, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe unwilling to pay over the odds for players, which will always be the case in January.
However, Ruben Neves is available for just £18m, which could make him the perfect short term solution on a bargain deal.
Neves is a long term United target, and if Ineos plan to bolster the midfield at all this month, he seems like the only viable option.
Now, it has been reported by talkSPORT that Neves to United is not a story dead in the water.
Alex Crook said on the radio channel on Friday: “There’s still talk of Ruben Neves maybe coming back from Saudi Arabia on a short-term deal and I think he would be an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte.”
Neves for cheap on an 18 month deal would be great business for United.
Ruben Neves has emerged as a possible midfield signing for Man Utd in January
Still only 28, Portugal international, do you think United should sign Neves? 💷
Manuel Ugarte wanted by Ajax on loan
So if Neves is to be signed, it probably means United will be clearing a spot in the midfield.
This report comes in the same week Ugarte has been linked with a loan to Ajax, a move which the Uruguayan would be keen on.
Neves would be a upgrade on Ugarte, although, definitely not a long term solution to the midfield crisis which has been going on for years.
One thing which could change this is the caretaker appointed may prefer Ugarte to Neves.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in particular might value the running Ugarte brings to the midfield.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
