Manuel Ugarte could leave Manchester United in January after attracting interest from clubs such as Ajax and Galatasaray.
The Uruguayan, 24, was not a regular starter under Ruben Amorim and has made just seven Premier League starts this season.
Ugarte started in United’s 2-2 draw against Burnley on Wednesday night as Darren Fletcher took charge of the team following Manchester United’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim earlier this week.
With United expected to hire a new interim head coach for the remainder of the season, it remains to be seen if any of the players on the fringes of the squad will leave in January.
Who was your Man Utd MOTM vs Burnley?
A change in management could lead to more game time for certain players, like Kobbie Mainoo, who was often overlooked by Amorim.
However, when it comes to Manuel Ugarte, the issue isn’t just minutes on the pitch. It’s the standard of performance and his inability to perform in the Premier League.
Ugarte could still get plenty of games between now and the end of the season, with Fletcher showing early signs of changing the system and allowing more midfielders and attackers on the pitch.
Only time will tell if the changes benefit players like Ugarte.
Ajax want Manuel Ugarte on loan
Eredivisie giants Ajax are in the market for a number six, and Ugarte is on their radar.
Although there are pre-existing hurdles in place that will make a deal difficult for Ajax to strike, such as Ugarte’s £120,000-a-week wages, it is understood that they are evaluating their options.
According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Ugarte is open to moving to Ajax due to his prospects at United.
Ugarte was signed from Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer worth £42 million in the summer of 2024, but has been unable to nail down a place in the team, even with Casemiro coming to the end of his contract.
As a player intending to go to the World Cup later this year, Ugarte is presumably looking to join a team that would see him earn a regular spot in the line-up. He needs to be playing football regularly. It’s also clear that United are making new plans for the midfield department in 2026.
Moreover, Galatasaray’s interest in Ugarte has been ongoing for weeks.
What should Darren Fletcher change for the next game, and what should he keep the same?
Darren Fletcher says he will take charge of Man Utd vs Brighton
The report states that another player on Ajax’s radar is former United ace Daley Blind, who previously had two spells with the Amsterdam club.
Blind, 35, is seen as an alternative option to Ugarte due to his ability to play as a defensive midfielder. The experienced ace could see his Girona contract expire at the end of the season.
Manuel Ugarte stats from Man Utd draw against Burnley
Ugarte has started in United’s last five Premier League matches due to injuries, but he kept his place in the team against Burnley despite the return of Bruno Fernandes.
It helped that Fletcher started the game with three midfielders rather than two.
Ugarte completed 87% of his 55 passes and made 10 defensive contributions throughout the match.
With 73 touches in total, Ugarte got involved and will be hoping for another chance to prove himself against Brighton in the FA Cup.
Six of his passes were made in the final third.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
