Juventus are keeping close tabs on Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte going into Uruguay’s forthcoming encounter with Algeria, according to stunning reports.
Manuel Ugarte has been away from Old Trafford for the March international break and the midfielder remains an important part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad.
The 24-year-old Manchester United star featured for Uruguay in the 1-1 draw against England at Wembley in the international friendly match last Friday.
Ugarte has struggled for consistent United first-team minutes this season under both former Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim and interim head coach Michael Carrick.
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Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini tipped to keep a close watch on Man Utd and Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte has made sporadic appearances under Michael Carrick, who has heavily relied on a two-man midfield pivot between Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro.
The Uruguay international’s difficulties at Old Trafford since his 2024 move from Paris Saint-Germain have seen the likes of Galatasaray and Ajax linked with him.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport has now reported that Juventus have once again turned their head towards Ugarte ahead of Uruguay’s clash with Algeria.
The Allianz Stadium will host Uruguay’s next outing on Tuesday evening and key members of the Juventus hierarchy are reportedly tipped to be in attendance.
La Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini will be using the ‘opportunity’ of the match to ‘conduct some live tests’ for his side.
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The Italian newspaper added that Marco Ottolini will have his ‘eyes’ focused ‘primarily’ on Ugarte during Tuesday’s friendly at the Allianz Stadium.
It has been claimed that the Uruguay defensive midfielder is viewed as an ‘old’ Juventus target, having impressed the club at both Sporting CP and PSG.
Despite his struggles at United since his arrival, Ugarte’s name ‘still crops up every time’ at Juventus and ‘has never been removed’ from their potential target options.
Ugarte, who is under contract with United until 2029, has made 23 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils in the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford.
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