League leaders to hold “critical meeting” tomorrow to sign combative United star – report

Michael Carrick’s arrival has instantly brought Kobbie Mainoo back into the limelight, and the Manchester United midfielder is making the most of it. Playing on the left of the midfield three, alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, Mainoo stood out against both Manchester City and Arsenal with his courageous passing and ball-carrying. While Carrick’s midfield trio is earning plenty of plaudits, and rightly so, one United midfielder is facing an uncertain future. Galatasaray interested in Manuel Ugarte Galatasaray have been trying to sign Manuel Ugarte from Manchester United since the start of the winter transfer window. Earlier this month, it emerged that Ugarte had agreed personal terms with the Turkish giants over a January move. Ruben Amorim’s abrupt departure took the focus away from the transfer, and since then, there has been little development on that front. However, Ugarte’s situation has only worsened under Carrick, who handed the Uruguay international nine minutes against City and left him unused on the bench at the Emirates over the weekend.  According to Turkish journalist Süleyman Rodop (via Sport Witness), Ugarte is back on the agenda for Galatasaray, who sit three points clear at the top of the Süper Lig table. Galatasaray ready to finalise Ugarte deal It is claimed Gala will hold transfer talks for Ugarte on Tuesday, as they aim to convince United to loan the 24-year-old, with an option to purchase.  “Galatasaray’s critical meeting on the transfer will be tomorrow. Galatasaray and Ugarte (the player’s camp) sit down at the table tomorrow and the expected meeting will take place. If Manchester United accepts a purchase option on Ugarte and loans him, they will complete the transfer,” said Rodop. Manuel Ugarte Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionPlayedGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League16——1—735′ EFL Cup1————45′ FA Cup1————79′ Total18——1—859′ Despite Ugarte’s limited minutes this month, United are not going to sanction a midfield exit without bringing in a replacement.  The Red Devils have been strongly linked with former Leicester City defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who is open to returning to the Premier League from Besiktas.  Featured image Carl Recine 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!