In a surprising turn of events, there's notable buzz around a Manchester United player as the winter transfer window approaches. Reports indicate that Manuel Ugarte is attracting considerable interest from clubs in Turkey, and it appears that Manchester United is not opposed to selling him ahead of schedule. According to MailSport, the Red Devils are open to "cutting their losses" if they can secure a substantial transfer fee for the midfielder—ideally around the £50.5 million mark they initially invested in him.
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So, where might Ugarte land if he departs from Old Trafford? One of the clubs showing interest is OGC Nice. If a deal were to go through, it would mark a unique transaction with another club owned by INEOS since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment was approved last February. However, reports suggest that Ugarte himself is hesitant about moving to a team currently sitting in 13th place in Ligue 1.
Ugarte's future at Manchester United looks increasingly uncertain. Having joined the club just 16 months ago after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, his situation has become complicated, especially as he has slipped down the hierarchy since the start of the 2025/2026 season. While he has started a couple more matches than his teammate Kobbie Mainoo this season, his most recent start dates back to September 27. Additionally, he has remained on the bench for five out of the last seven fixtures.
When Ruben Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag last November, many fans expected Ugarte to become a key player, given their previous connection at Sporting Lisbon. Contrary to these expectations, Ugarte's performances have not met the necessary standards, causing him to fall out of favor with Amorim.
Here’s a breakdown of Ugarte’s statistics since joining Manchester United:
Total appearances: 56
Starts: 39
Minutes played: 3,252
*Source: Transfermarkt
If Manchester United does decide to let the 24-year-old move on in January, it is almost certain they will look for a direct replacement, particularly if they also loan out Mainoo until the season’s end.
What do you think? Should Manchester United sell Ugarte and pursue new talent, or is there still a chance for him to turn things around at the club? We'd love to hear your opinions!
