It took almost two months of back and forth and negotiating, but Manuel Ugarte’s Manchester United transfer is as good as official.
It was an open secret that Manchester United, after signing four players in the window, had a defensive midfielder on the agenda.
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Despite links propping up to alternatives, like Sander Berge or Sofyan Amrabat, among others, Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte remained the absolute top priority.
There was even a game of poker playing out in the media as earlier in the window, it was reported that United had pulled out of the chase due to PSG’s asking price.
That was all for nothing as the signing looks imminent as per Fabrizio Romano.
Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United- Here we go!
It has become a phrase synonymous with the transfer window and means the deal is as good as done barring any late complications.
Fabrizio Romano has given his famed “Here we go” to Manuel Ugarte’s transfer to Manchester United, subject to medical.
As expected after Scott McTominay’s transfer, all the speculation about Ugarte’s move potentially being an initial loan has subsided.
The Uruguayan will move to Old Trafford on a permanent deal from the beginning, signing a five-year contract, with an option for another.
It remains to be seen if he starts against Liverpool on September 1 as he has been left out of successive matchday squads as his United transfer looked imminent.
However, it would be a surprise if he didn’t even make the squad, especially because midfield has been an area of concern and Mason Mount’s injury takes the decision out of Erik ten Hag’s hands.
Manuel Ugarte at Manchester United
Ugarte is expected to slot in at the base of the midfield and immediately relieve Casemiro of the pressure of starting every game.
As it stands, United finally how two natural defensive midfielders, arguably even one, as Casemiro’s resurgence has mainly come due to playing further forward and creating overloads.
When fit, Ugarte will probably be the first name on the teamsheet and the defensive core of Diogo Dalot-Noussair Mazraoui-Matthijs de Ligt-Lisandro Martinez with Manuel Ugarte sweeping up in front on them is a tantalising prospect.
Manuel Ugarte’s style of play will also allow Kobbie Mainoo the freedom to move further forward and use his burgeoning on-ball skills to better aid the attack.
There can hardly be any bigger challenges for a signing to debut in than a game against fierce rivals Liverpool but it also gives Ugarte a chance to become an instant fan-favourite. Here. We. Go!
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