Man Utd’s Manuel Ugarte Focused on Injury Recovery, Not January Transfer
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is not expected to move before he has returned from the serious injury suffered at the World Cup in North America, leaving his immediate focus on rehabilitation rather than a January exit.
The Uruguay international’s injury ended any prospect of a summer-window transfer, with a lengthy spell out making a deal unattractive for potential buyers. A move could become possible in January, but only if his recovery has progressed well and he has played again for United.
Ugarte’s place under scrutiny
Ugarte has played 69 times for United since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024 in a £42 million ($56m) deal. The 25-year-old was signed to add bite and intensity to the midfield, but he has struggled to establish himself as a regular.
- Casemiro has moved ahead of Ugarte in the holding-midfield role.
- United added Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba before the 2026-27 season.
- Michael Carrick’s side have remained inconsistent, with further questions over the head coach’s position.
Former Uruguay international Gus Poyet believes Ugarte must first prove he is fully fit before considering his next step. Poyet said the midfielder would find a transfer difficult without first playing several matches, but added that Ugarte could still back himself to compete for a central role at Old Trafford.
Ugarte is tied to United until the summer of 2029 after signing a five-year contract on arrival, so the club are not under pressure to accept offers.
What happens next
United will assess Ugarte once he resumes work on the training pitch. His fitness, performances after his return and any coaching changes will shape whether he can force his way back into contention — or whether a January transfer becomes a realistic option.
