With the summer transfer window closing in just a couple of weeks, Manchester United will need to decide whether to pursue Manuel Ugarte. However, the Premier League side could be holding onto a veteran in that defensive midfield role this season.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester United are now shifting its focus to securing a midfielder, with Ugarte remaining its top target. The club will either need PSG to lower its asking price or consider selling one of its current midfielders to fund the move.
Nonetheless, manager Erik ten Hag hinted that the Brazilian could be staying past the summer transfer window.
“Casemiro? I don’t think it is about the system,” ten Hag told reporters postgame after their Community Shield loss in a penalty kick shootout to Manchester City (h/t GOAL). “Since a long time he has a pre-season so he is very fit in the moment.
“As a team we work very well and that is easier for Casemiro. He is a great player and can bring his skillset. He is very important for our team. I don’t have any signal he won’t stay and we are very happy with that.”
According to a recent report from David Ornstein at The Athletic, the reigning Ligue 1 champions are asking for €60 million for the Uruguayan. Moreover, with no significant sales, it’s hard to envision Ugarte moving to Old Trafford before the summer transfer window closes.
