Manuel Ugarte: Ratcliffe rules on Man United star’s Old Trafford future
Manuel Ugarte: Ratcliffe rules on Man United star’s Old Trafford future Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made his feelings known regarding the future of Manuel Ugarte this summer, according to an explosive report. A Downgrade in Midfield Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 after a protracted pursuit by the Red Devils to strike a deal with Paris Saint-Germain. An agreement worth a total of £50.
5 million (£42. 3m + £8. 2m in potential add-ons) was eventually reached on deadline day after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.
Scott McTominay ‘s sale to Italian giants Napoli is understood to have been key to generating the funds needed to sign Ugarte, as the Scotland international’s status as an academy player meant the £25. 7m fee received for him constituted ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective. However, this is the only part of the transaction that adds up.
McTominay would go on to enjoy a historic season in Naples, propelling his new club to the Serie A title and winning the league’s MVP award. His efforts even saw him shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or. By contrast, Ugarte has proven to be an abject failure, lacking the physicality to justify his reputation as an enforcer in midfield, while offering nothing of worth on the ball either.
The red flags should have been apparent to United, given Luis Enrique was desperate to boot the Uruguayan out of the Parc des Princes after his dreadful performance in the Champions League against Newcastle – a match which should have demonstrated to United’s recruitment team the struggles he would face in the Premier League. After two years at the helm in M16, Ugarte ranks comfortably as INEOS’ worst signing. Man United's signings under INEOS - Ratings Jim Wants it Fixed United are open to a sale this summer – but only if a suitable offer arrives to fund a replacement, or, more accurately, an upgrade.