Whitwell: ‘Enquiry made’ – United now in touch with Euro ‘giants’ over £51m midfielder

Laurie Whitwell via the Talk of the Devils podcast. Ajax have approached Manchester United to gauge the feasibility of signing Manuel Ugarte on loan.The news was confirmed by The Athletic this morning, with the outlet adding that United, as things stand, are uninterested in facilitating the proposed deal. Negotiations over any potential long-term agreement are not anticipated this month due to the fact that Jordi Cruyff has only just been appointed as Ajax’s Sporting Director.“Ajax have made an enquiry over Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte — but at this stage, a deal is considered unlikely,” the outlet revealed. “The Dutch giants want a new No 6 and have the Uruguay international on their list.” Ajax have made an enquiry over Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte — but at this stage, a deal is considered unlikely. The Dutch giants want a new No 6 and have the Uruguay international on their list. They have been looking at a loan, with no long-term decisions… pic.twitter.com/Bko9O1O7Q8 — The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 20, 2026Manuel Ugarte: The state of play at United(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)In the final months of Ruben Amorim’s tenure, reports suggested the Red Devils would be open to sanctioning Ugarte’s exit just 17 months into his Old Trafford career.While the midfielder was utilised prominently in 2024/2025, he dropped to a more sporadic role in 2025/2026, having fallen out of favour with Amorim.For example, by mid-December, Ugarte had made only two starts in the opening 16 matches and been an unused substitute six times.Casemiro overseeing a one-game suspension and Bruno Fernandes sustaining an injury then paved the way for the 24-year-old to start five successive games – until he was benched by Michael Carrick in the interim manager’s first outing last Saturday. Appearances Starts Minutes played 63 45 3,752 *Ugarte’s record since signing for United in a £50.5 million deal in August 2024Ugarte facing another reduced role under Carrick (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Indeed, Kobbie Mainoo was granted his first Premier League start of the campaign in place of Ugarte, partnering Casemiro and putting in a stalwart display as United cruised to a 2-0 triumph over arch-rivals Manchester City.Given the side has no European or cup action to account for, the midfielders now face a battle to prove themselves to Carrick and cement their places in his XI.From the fans’ perspective, the general consensus is that Mainoo and Casemiro are the most effective duo, with Fernandes operating further afield to cater to his world-class attacking attributes.