Manuel Ugarte is reportedly eager to “dig in” and fight for his Manchester United future, with the Red Devils ready to keep him beyond the winter transfer window.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Galatasaray and Ajax are interested in Manuel Ugarte. The two clubs are keen on bolstering their first-team squads by signing a holding midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Manchester United midfielder has emerged as a target for them.
However, the Red Devils have already rebuffed approaches from the two UEFA Champions League clubs, and they are ready to keep the South American midfielder at Old Trafford beyond the winter transfer window. As for Ugarte, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is eager to “dig in” and fight for his Manchester United future.
How has Manuel Ugarte fared at Manchester United?
Manuel Ugarte has struggled to make his mark since joining Manchester United from Galatasaray in a deal worth €50 million in July 2024. The 24-year-old was already a polarising figure when he arrived at Old Trafford 18 months ago, and he has not done much to prove his naysayers wrong.
The Uruguayan international has gradually dropped in stature at Manchester United, and he has managed only 859 minutes of game time across 18 appearances in all competitions this term. However, Ugarte’s stock remains high, with several well-known clubs setting their sights on him. Galatasaray and Ajax are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.
A man in demand
Galatasaray’s interest in Manuel Ugarte makes sense. The Turkish Super Lig champions have been scouring the market for a holding midfielder heading into the winter transfer window, as Okan Buruk wants more options in the middle of the park for the second half of the 2025/26 season. Several candidates have thus emerged on Galatasaray’s radar, with Ugarte also a viable target.
As for Ajax, the Dutch giants are keen on signing a holding midfielder in the winter transfer window. The Eredivisie heavyweights have sold Kenneth Taylor to Lazio this month, and they have set their sights on Ugarte. However, Manchester United recently rebuffed approaches from Ajax and Galatasaray.
The latest report has revealed that the Red Devils are ready to keep the South American midfielder at Old Trafford beyond the winter transfer window. As for Ugarte, the former PSG midfielder is eager to “dig in” and fight for his Manchester United future after being revitalised by Michael Carrick’s calm approach. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 24-year-old Uruguayan international.
