Ugarte upgrade: United plot blockbuster raid to land “complete midfielder” as Carrick’s first signing – report

Bolstering Manchester United’s midfield was always expected to be high on INEOS’ agenda this year. Ideally, the 20-time English champions should have begun their midfield transformation last summer, but they did not. Midfield craves quality additions In the past seven years, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro are the only central midfielders the Red Devils have signed. Age is now catching up with Casemiro; he no longer has the energy to cover ground like the “mad dog” he once was. Ugarte, meanwhile, has yet to prove himself as the ultimate heir to Casemiro. The Red Devils must go out and secure a central midfielder they can trust to inject bite and control into their engine room. Some argue it will take more than one signing to achieve that. Well, part of this double midfield swoop could involve Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki making the switch. Sadiki transfer links Interest from Old Trafford in the Sunderland “pitbull” midfielder has already been highlighted by The Peoples Person. And now, according to Give Me Sport, INEOS appear ready to turn that interest in the 21‑year‑old into a concrete offer. Offer readied The UK outlet reports: “Talk inside Old Trafford is that if Manchester United do follow Amorim’s thought process and look to offload Ugarte, he could be used as swap‑bait to land Sunderland’s ‘incredible’ 21‑year‑old midfield talent Noah Sadiki.” Sunderland man turning heads in the Premier League Only six months into the league, the DR Congo international has already proven The Athletic’s Seb Stafford‑Bloor right in labelling him a “properly complete midfielder.” His relentless running, combative nature, and composure on the ball have made him stand out. You cannot discuss Sunderland’s brilliant 2025‑26 campaign without marvelling at Sadiki’s influence. United’s appetite for a midfielder of his qualities has them keen to capture him. Chelsea, too, admire him and are attempting to lure him. But Old Trafford faithful will hope their proposal, offering Ugarte in exchange for Sadiki, is seriously considered. Winning that race would give Manchester United the midfield upgrade they desperately need, while sending the Uruguayan international the other way. Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.