David Tully Sep 16th 2025
Man United are weighing up whether to sell Manuel Ugarte during the January transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that the Red Devils only decided against offloading the Uruguayan this summer because they wanted a permanent move, rather than a loan deal:
“In the upcoming months for Manchester United, it’s going to be decision time on some players, and this is going to be part of the conversation. There will be a decision to make on Manuel Ugarte.”
“I can reveal to you that there was a possibility of an exit this summer because, for example, Italian clubs were interested in Ugarte, but Manchester United decided to close the door to an eventual loan move. That’s why nothing happened.”
Romano says that, even though Ugarte started against Manchester City on Sunday, the Red Devils would still consider selling him in the New Year, with a transfer to Serie A a concrete option:
“For Manuel Ugarte, we have to see if some club arrives with a permanent deal proposal in 2026, because that might change the situation. At the moment, Ugarte started the Manchester derby, he has the confidence of Rúben Amorim for sure, and he is working very hard—super hard—but there is interest from Italy, so that could be a case to follow in the upcoming months.”
Ugarte has flattered to deceive since joining United
The 23-year-old was snapped up from Paris Saint-Germain for £50m (including add-ons) last year, having been signed when Erik ten Hag was still in charge.
Ugarte was heavily criticised after struggling with form and fitness in the opening few months of the 2024/25 campaign, but it was hoped that the arrival of his former Sporting Lisbon boss, Ruben Amorim, would change his fortunes.
However, the Uruguayan international has continued to find things difficult, with the nadir being the decision to substitute him at halftime during the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town last month.
Funds need to be raised for another midfield signing
In addition to Ugarte’s poor performances, United desperately need to reinforce their options in the middle of the park.
Selling Ugarte in January and bringing in a better replacement would be seen as the ideal scenario. We shall have to wait and see whether a buyer can be found.
Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
David Tully
David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World’s Football News Network.
