Due to the steep asking price demanded by Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United is moving away from their interest in Manuel Ugarte. Having already secured Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee this window, the club is still keen on a new midfielder, but they are now exploring alternatives to the Uruguayan international.
Manchester United is shifting its emphasis away from Manuel Ugarte because of Paris Saint-Germain’s hefty asking price. United have already signed attacker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro this summer and are looking for a new midfielder. Young Uruguayan midfielder, Ugarte was one of their main objectives, but United have shifted their focus to other choices.
Reports indicate that United views PSG's valuation as too high and will only resume talks if there is a significant price reduction. PSG aims to recoup the £51.4 million spent on Ugarte's move from Sporting Lisbon last year, even as other teams show interest. The likelihood of Ugarte leaving has increased, however, following PSG's massive investment in Joao Neves, the 19-year-old Portuguese star who arrived from Benfica for roughly £60 million.
Upon signing a five-year deal, Neves shared his pride in joining a club as ambitious as Paris Saint-Germain, pledging his full commitment to his teammates and the pursuit of multiple trophies. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi also praised the signing, welcoming Neves to the family and describing him as one of the most gifted players both in Portugal and on the global stage.
Al-Khelaifi noted Neves's passion and drive to succeed, emphasizing that such determination is exactly what the club expects as they build a youthful squad centered on collective spirit and talent. Meanwhile, United is desperate to strengthen their midfield after a historically poor Premier League finish last term. This comes amid uncertainty surrounding Scott McTominay; while Fulham has submitted several bids for the midfielder, manager Erik Ten Hag has publicly expressed his desire to keep him at Old Trafford.
United, meanwhile, are looking to reinforce in midfield after finishing last season with their lowest Premier League finish ever, and Scott McTominay’s future is uncertain. Fulham has made many proposals for McTominay, but United’s manager Erik Ten Hag stated last month that he wants him to stay.
Ten Hag acknowledged that players of McTominay's quality naturally attract attention, especially after a strong season scoring 10 goals and performing well for Scotland. However, he insisted that McTominay remains a vital part of the squad, highlighting his versatility and the value he adds when playing in a more advanced role.