With Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in England for their medicals, Manchester United fans are already turning attention to potential midfielder signings.
The smart money now is still on Man United’s midfield acquisition being Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte.
Manchester United still keen on PSG’s Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte fell out of favour under Luis Enrique last term. Opportunities are likely to be even more restricted too after Joao Neves – the one-time Man United target – arrived from Benfica to the tune of around £60 million.
And, in a boost to United’s hopes, reporter Loic Tanzi now insists that Ugarte is no longer training with the rest of PSG’s first-team squad.
Ahead of Friday’s Ligue 1 opener away to Le Havre, the tough-tackling Uruguayan is stuck in limbo alongside the similarly exit-linked Danilo and Nordi Mukiele.
“As a sign of Luis Enrique’s choices, during the training matches Manuel Ugarte, Danilo and Nordi Mukiele are, for the moment, left out,” Tanzi writes on X. “The three could leave the club before the end of the window.”
Man United appeared to cool their interest in Ugarte last week.
Per Ben Jacobs, PSG were reluctant to budge on their £50 million asking price with the Red Devils offering only around £30 million so far.
Was that, however, a rather clever negotiating tactic from the new Old Trafford decision makers? An attempt to scare PSG into a sale on Man United’s terms?
If Ugarte really is training away from the rest of Enrique’s first-team squad, that will not exactly strengthen Les Parisien’s negotiating position with the capital club clearly looking to move Ugarte on.
Manuel Ugarte is still keen on a move to Man United. As of Friday, the dialogue was still open between the two clubs with agent Jorge Mendes – who has an excellent relationship with Ineos – helping to try and find a compromise.
Berge also left out
Sander Berge was conspicuous by his absence as Burnley exploded into life in their Championship opener, thrashing Luton Town 4-1 at Kenilworth Road.
In the meantime, speculation is growing suggesting that the towering Norway international has emerged as a genuine target for Manchester United late in the window.
As for Sander Berge, Burnley boss Scott Parker has attempted to play down any suggestions that his absence was due to an impending Turf moor departure.
“He’s got a little slight quad issue. I sense the way you’re asking that question you don’t believe that he’s injured? He’s definitely got an injury,” Parker tells the Burnley Express. “He picked up an injury in Spain (during pre-season).
“He had a bit of discomfort in his quad. It’s not a big injury. It’s quite a small injury to be honest with you. But it was a bit persistent.”
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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