Manuel Ugarte Could Leave Man Utd Alongside Casemiro

Manuel Ugarte could leave Manchester United in the summer amid interest from Italian clubs, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The Uruguayan midfielder is one to watch ahead of the upcoming transfer window, as he may join fellow midfielder Casemiro on the departures list.

The 34-year-old Brazilian has already confirmed he will be leaving United at the end of his contract in June, bringing an end to his four-year spell at Old Trafford.

While Ugarte is under contract until 2029, the 24-year-old was already the subject of interest from Galatasaray during the winter window amid his limited playing time this season.

Manuel Ugarte Could Leave Man Utd

Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, revealed that there is ‘already some movement’ around Ugarte, who could end up leaving United after the season:

Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 in a deal worth up to £50.5m, after struggling to settle in the Ligue 1 giants’ star-studded squad.

The ‘unbelievable’ Uruguayan has made 20 appearances for United this season, including nine starts, and has remained on the bench for their last three Premier League games.

Since Michael Carrick took over as interim boss in January, Ugarte has only played 27 minutes across three substitute appearances.

Ugarte’s Exit to Shift United’s Transfer Plans?

While United were initially planning to sign a new midfielder this summer, the potential departures of both Ugarte and Casemiro are likely to force the club to bring in at least two new players for the position.

Since shifting to a 4-2-3-1 system under Carrick, United have relied on just three holding midfielders – Ugarte, Casemiro, and Kobbie Mainoo – and while that has been sufficient with the club playing in only one competition, competing in the Champions League next season would require greater squad depth.

United’s interest in Premier League-proven midfielders is well documented, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson among those highly admired.

Where Could Ugarte Go Next?

Amid the growing buzz around Ugarte’s future, we asked ChatGPT to name three potential destinations for the United midfielder:

• Atletico Madrid – Natural tactical fit, with Ugarte’s aggression, pressing, and defensive discipline matching Diego Simeone’s midfield demands.
• Juventus – Would likely be a guaranteed starter, offering ball-winning and structure in a midfield still being rebuilt.
• Napoli – Suits a high-intensity Serie A side needing midfield bite and protection behind creative players.

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