Man Utd now want to sign £30m star instead of Ugarte, 7.2 recoveries/game last season - report

Manchester United are looking at multiple options to strengthen their midfield department.

The Red Devils have secured the signature of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this summer, and they are now expected to focus on strengthening the midfield.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte has already agreed terms with the Red Devils, but initial talks have highlighted a gap in valuation, according to Sky Sports.

United are looking at Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana as an alternative while discussions are also ongoing over making Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal a permanent one.

The club have decided against triggering the £17 million buy clause for Amrabat, but they could discuss fresh payment terms with Fiorentina for a transfer.

Fofana would not be an upgrade on Casemiro

Fofana has been on the radar of Premier League clubs over the past year. Nottingham Forest wanted to sign him last summer, but he was not keen on the switch.

However, the 25-year-old is more than likely to leave this time around, considering he has no plans to renew his contract which expires at the end of next season.

Fofana has recently agreed terms with Serie A outfit AC Milan, but he won’t come on the cheap. Monaco are eyeing at least £30m after turning down a fresh £25m bid from Forest.

In our view, the Red Devils should focus on Ugarte and avoid an approach for Fofana.

The Frenchman would not be an upgrade on Casemiro for the Red Devils. The ex-Strasbourg man won two tackles and 4.7 duels per league game last season with 7.2 ball recoveries.

However, he had a passing accuracy of 82 percent and lost possession 14 times per outing. In comparison, Casemiro completed 83 percent of his passes, losing possession on 12 occasions.

Ugarte is likely to cost a premium fee, but he would be the best solution. He won 3.9 tackles, 6.4 duels per outing last term with 7.2 ball recoveries. He had a pass completion rate of 91 percent.

The Uruguay international was dispossessed less than 7.5 times on average. It is quite clear that Ugarte would be the ideal acquisition for manager Erik ten Hag ahead of next season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com