Manuel Ugarte has a big decision to make on his future at Manchester United when the 2025/26 season ends, after being linked with a summer move to clubs in Italy and Spain.
Although Manchester United and many of its players have improved under Michael Carrick, the same cannot be said for Manuel Ugarte, who has had limited game time this season.
Carrick’s preference is to start Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, meaning Manuel Ugarte has yet to start a match under the 44-year-old head coach.
Ugarte has been the subject of criticism since his 2024 transfer from Paris Saint-Germain because he has been unable to cement a place in the team due to underwhelming performances.
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Manuel Ugarte wants future solved before 2026 World Cup
United are set to revamp the midfield department this summer.
Casemiro’s departure was announced in January and United have until the summer to identify a suitable replacement for the Brazilian veteran.
Along with that, Ugarte could leave Old Trafford to generate further funds and to try to secure regular football elsewhere.
Juventus are watching Ugarte, but the Italian giants aren’t the only team interested in the Uruguay international, given the 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Galatasaray previously.
According to El Pais, Ugarte plans to have his future defined before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ugarte has been limited to just 915 minutes of football thus far this season, making 21 Premier League appearances, with just seven of those coming as starts.
United are unlikely to stand in Ugarte’s way so long as their demands are met by a potential suitor.
Ugarte played against England in a 1-1 draw at Wembley last week, infamously picking up two yellow cards and avoiding a red card.
The Uruguayan midfielder will return to United following the international break, with a training camp away from Carrington arranged by the club to take place in the Republic of Ireland.
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When is Manuel Ugarte in action next?
Ugarte could feature in Uruguay’s friendly against Algeria tonight at 7:30pm.
Formerly of Sporting CP and PSG, Ugarte has been able to keep his place in the Uruguay squad, despite suffering from a lack of game time at United.
Marcelo Bielsa will be keen to give Ugarte as many minutes as possible ahead of the World Cup because he won’t be getting regular game time at United anytime soon.
The game against Algeria has been described as Ugarte’s Juventus audition.
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