£42m Man United enforcer faces shock exit amid loan interest from European giant

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been handed a shocking new exit route.

Life in Manchester has been anything but smooth for Ugarte since his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

Signed for £42 million, the Uruguay international has yet to live up to expectations.

According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Ajax are considering launching a loan offer to sign Ugarte during this winter transfer window.

The former Sporting CP enforcer has endured a frustrating campaign, managing just seven starts in all competitions so far.

Notably, five of those appearances only arrived after mid-December due to injuries to Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.

Former manager Ruben Amorim was left with little alternative but to turn to Ugarte out of necessity rather than preference.

Encouragingly for the 24-year-old, recent weeks have shown signs of improvement, particularly when deployed alongside Casemiro in a more balanced midfield pairing.

Having the Brazilian behind him allows him to leave his position and press the opposition with intensity.

That is Ugarte’s strength.

He is a combative ball-winner, thriving on disruption and renowned for his aggression off the ball.

He makes more tackles on an average than his teammates and is also solid in duels.

However, his limitations in possession remain impossible to ignore.

Ugarte often opts for the safest pass available, rarely attempting the line-breaking deliveries needed to accelerate United’s attacks, while his slow decision-making frequently stalls transitions.

Ajax believe the midfielder could be tempted by a move back to the Eredivisie, but his substantial wage demands present a significant obstacle.

The Red Devils may not sanction his exit unless a suitable replacement can be secured in the same window.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .