Manchester United have made the decision to walk away from a deal for Manuel Ugarte.
Ineos do not want to pay over the odds for any player, making this clear with Jarrad Branthwaite early in the transfer window.
This has led to the decision to back away from a deal for Manuel Ugarte, unless Paris Saint-Germain decide to drop their asking price.
As for where United turn to next, expect plenty of speculation. Wolves’ Joao Gomes and Fluminense’s Andre are among potential targets, Ben Jacobs claims.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Manchester United fans want Martin Zubimendi
A midfielder is needed at Manchester United amid an over-reliance on teenager Kobbie Mainoo, and the decline of Casemiro last season.
Casemiro has displayed the same worrying traits in pre-season, highlighting why fans are right to be concerned.
With Ugarte now off the table, United need to find an alternative midfield target.
One high quality player who is on United’s radar is Real Sociedad maestro Martin Zubimendi, a Euro 2024 winner with Spain.
Goal has reported United are keen on Zubimendi. This was prior to the club backing away from Ugarte, and now fans are hoping the Red Devils will step up the chase for the 25-year-old.
One fan wrote on X: “Go and trigger the Zubimendi release clause @INEOS.”
Another suggested the development could work in United’s favour, commenting: “Missing out on Ugarte is blessing in disguise. Zubimendi suits United the most.”
A third supporter added, excitedly: “Now that the Ugarte deal has fallen through INEOS should go all out for Zubimendi. Him Bruno and Kobbie Mainoo wow INEOS please bring.”
More fans echoed these comments, adding: “If Ugarte is off the table go for Zubimendi,” and “Am on my knees. Zubimendi is the next deal for that midfield.”
Another wrote: “Selling McTominay and signing Zubimendi would be one of the biggest upgrades United could make. Levels above for ETH’s system & the ideal choice.”
While another tagged United’s social media account and begged: “@ManUtd, please get me Martin Zubimendi.”
Zubimendi won’t be cheap either
Martin Zubimendi won’t be a cheap deal to do, he has a £51 million release clause in his contract, approximately the same as PSG’s asking price for Ugarte.
Two questions then emerge – do United actually consider this fair value for Zubimendi – but perhaps not for Ugarte?
And then, simply, do United even have this kind of money to spend, without selling players first?
United are also trying to secure a double defensive deal for Bayern Munich duo Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.
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