Ajax make surprise approach to sign £42m Man Utd star after substitute role vs Man City
Dutch outfit Ajax have made a surprise loan approach for Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to The Athletic.
The Uruguay international has had a mixed campaign with the Red Devils. He started as a regular substitute, but got more starts after untimely injuries to Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Ugarte was back on the bench against Manchester City last weekend. Interim boss Michael Carrick has already assured Mainoo that he will play regularly alongside Casemiro for the rest of the season.
Amidst this, The Athletic claim that Ajax have proposed to sign Ugarte on a short-term loan as they seek to bring in a new number six. United have so far declined the offer from the Eredivisie giants.
A loan exit for Ugarte does not make sense
Ugarte, who was signed for an initial £42 million from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, has had a difficult second season with the Red Devils. He has played second fiddle to Casemiro for the number six role.
The pair have played together over the past few weeks, but it has not quite worked out for Ugarte. The 24-year-old was partly at fault for Brighton & Hove Albion’s winner in the FA Cup third round exit.
It was unsurprising that interim manager Michael Carrick dropped Ugarte as soon as he took charge. Mainoo had a phenomenal outing alongside Casemiro. The duo controlled the midfield proceedings in the Manchester derby.
Ugarte did come on as a late substitute for Casemiro, but his future at the club looks bleak with the hierarchy set to pursue a marquee defensive midfielder in the summer. There is a possibility that two signings could be made too.
Casemiro could potentially leave on a free transfer. Ugarte could likewise make way. With the club well within the race for Champions League football, it does not make sense to offload Ugarte this winter unless a big permanent offer arrives.
Ajax have no plans to do so with Jordi Cruyff, only starting his role as sporting director on February 1. Everton star and former graduate James Garner could emerge as a solution for the Red Devils if Ugarte were to depart for a good transfer fee.
Stats from Capology.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .