Sky Sports' renowned Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, exclusively reported on Thursday in his paid column that Uruguay international defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte is highly likely to leave Manchester United this summer.

According to Romano, Ugarte had been complaining about his limited playing time this season since mid-November, and his agent had raised this issue with the Manchester United management.

While the situation initially eased, it worsened again after the dismissal of former manager Ruben Amorim, with whom he had worked at his former club Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Since Michael Carrick took over as caretaker manager, Ugarte has continued to be treated as a backup player, which has gradually become tiresome for him.

With Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and even academy graduates Jack Fletcher and his twin brother Taylor all receiving playing time, Ugarte's desire to leave has become even clearer.

Despite the club's attempts to assure him of more consistent playing time after Casemiro's departure at the end of the season, Ugarte remains reserved.

He believes that with Manchester United likely to bring in several midfielders this summer, and the managerial position still uncertain, thus Ugarte has already expressed his desire to leave to the club's management through his agent.

Romano revealed that the Manchester United management is fully aware of Ugarte's desire to leave and is not ruling out allowing him to go, provided the club receives a suitable offer.

Ugarte's agent has also received inquiries from several clubs and is actively seeking feasible solutions.

However, it is certain that he has not heard that one of the clubs approaching Ugarte's agents is his former club, Paris Saint-Germain.

Given Casemiro's confirmed departure and Ugarte's departure is almost a certainty, Manchester United has decided to bring in at least two defensive midfielders this summer.

Currently, Newcastle United's star duo Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali have been confirmed as being on the shortlist.

Bruno Guimarães' agents have already begun discussions with Manchester United.

Manchester United are also ready to approach Tonali's agents, but Newcastle United have made it clear that they will not easily decide to sell either player.

Another player confirmed to be on the shortlist is England international defensive midfielder Elliot Anderson.

However, the situation for the Nottingham Forest player is relatively complicated, as several Premier League giants have confirmed they will join the race for his transfer.

One of these clubs is Manchester City, the Red Devils' fierce local rivals.

The Cityzens have identified him as their top successor to Spain international player Rodri and have even begun discussions with Anderson's agents.

About Manuel Ugarte

The 24-year-old Ugarte was born on April 11, 2001, in Montevideo, Uruguay, He is 1.82 meters tall and plays as a defensive midfielder.

Ugarte joined the Fenix youth academy at a young age and completedn his first-team debut in December 2016. Notably, at the age of 15 at the time, he broke the record to become the youngest player to ever play in Uruguay.

In early January 2021, Ugarte moved to Famalicão for €3 million. Initially a backup player, he gradually developed into a key player, becoming one of the crucial contributors to the club as thet narrowly missed out qualification for European competition.

In August of the same year, Ugarte joined Sporting Clube de Portugal for €6.5 million. After João Palinha's transfer to Fulham, Ugarte became an absolute mainstay of the club, helping the Leões win the Taça da Liga once. His outstanding performances even attracted the attention of Liverpool.

In July 2023, Ugarte joined Paris Saint-Germain for €60 million.

During his time with Le Parisiens, he achieved a treble of Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions titles.

The following summer, on the transfer window deadline day, Ugarte joined Manchester United for €50 million.

Since becoming a member of the Red Devils, Ugarte has made 68 appearances for the Premier League giants in all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists, and has been part of the team that reached the UEFA Europa League final once.

Image source: Internet / Sky Sports