Ten Hag’s decision to keep 27y/o could now prevent Man Utd from signing €50m PSG star - report
Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as the Uruguayan could now be signed for €50 million, according to SPORT1 journalist Christopher Michel.
However, the Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag wants to keep Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat beyond this summer after his loan spell, which could make it difficult for the club to sign another defensive midfielder.
The 27-year-old Morocco international joined Man United on a season-long loan last summer but did not always impress in the middle of the park.
However, Amrabat put in some fine displays at full-back during the few times he was deployed there, and it appears Ten Hag is willing to give him another chance.
The Dutchman may be forced to choose between one of the two players in the long run, and the fans will hope he ends up making the right decision.
Getting Ugarte for €50m is a huge boost for Man United as PSG splashed €60m on his services last summer.
The 23-year-old featured in 37 games across all competitions last term and has been in fine form at the ongoing Copa America with Uruguay, playing in all three group games so far.
He is an upgrade on Amrabat going by his performances for the Ligue 1 champions and his exploits in the Portuguese top-flight with Sporting Lisbon.
However, Ugarte is not versatile as he can only play in defensive midfield, which makes Amrabat a more attractive option to Ten Hag.
The Dutchman no longer has the final say when it comes to transfer decisions at the Old Trafford club, and the Moroccan could be on his way out if the likes of Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox decide he does not fit into their plans going forward.