Man Utd star to be sold this summer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe gives transfer order | Football

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte sold this summer.

The Uruguay international arrived at Old Trafford to much fanfare in the summer of 2024, signed for £50million from Paris Saint-Germain.

But after an underwhelming first season in Manchester, Ugarte has struggled to establish himself in the team at all this term.

The former Sporting CP star started just seven matches under Ruben Amorim, who previously coached him in Lisbon, before United parted ways with their head coach in January.

Opportunities have been harder to come by under Michael Carrick, starting just one game under the former midfielder. Ugarte was drafted into replace the injured Kobbie Mainoo against Leeds with United beaten by their old rivals at Old Trafford.

United co-owner Ratcliffe was in attendance that night and according to The Athletic, is of the view Uharte must be sold this summer. His performance that night against Leeds did little to change that opinion.

In addition to his seven starts under Amorim, including that harrowing Carabao Cup exit against Grimsby in August, Ugarte also started both games during Darren Fletcher’s brief spell in charge.

Of the 10 games he has started this term, United have won just once.

The 25-year-old has served as Casemiro’s understudy under Carrick, replacing the Brazilian late on in the second-halves of games.

After the disappointing performance against Leeds, Carrick defended the player who was described as ‘too limited’ by former United captain Gary Neville.

‘Since I’ve come in, and he’s played and come on, he’s been fine,” Carrick said.

‘I think tonight was a tough game, not just for Manu. It was one of those games when it was a tough night.

‘I actually thought, especially when we went down to 10 men, that he did a lot of covering for other players to be able to attack.’

United hope to rebuild their midfield this summer with Aurelien Tchouameni, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Matheus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Joao Gomes among those on the shortlist.

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