Ugarte upgrade: Man Utd hoping to sign “monster” for £35m after talks
The writing appeared to be on the wall for Erik ten Hag during that summer of 2024, even after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co had afforded him a stay of execution, with Manchester United’s transfer business not exactly pointing to joined-up thinking.
Of course, there was yet another raft of Dutch or Ajax-linked arrivals that summer, be it Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, although it appeared evident that not every move was led or influenced by the manager.
Indeed, the decision to swap out Scott McTominay for Manuel Ugarte appeared to be at odds with Ten Hag, with the FA Cup-winning coach later admitting that he “didn’t want” to sell the Scotland star, albeit with the decision likely influenced by the need to meet PSR regulations.
Whether the 55-year-old was happy with that exit or not, he certainly didn’t appear over anamoured with McTominay’s replacement, with Ugarte starting just a solitary Premier League game under his watch, before the manager was sacked in late October.
The Uruguayan would have been delighted with that change in the dugout and the arrival of his former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, although just over a year later, his place at Old Trafford already appears under threat.
Man Utd make contact to sign dream Ugarte replacement
Such is the nature of United’s squad right now, amid a string of injury and AFCON absentees, departures are likely to be limited, even for those on the periphery under Amorim.
That said, with Turkish giants Galatasaray seemingly pushing to sign Ugarte this month, INEOS should no doubt consider cashing in, even with both Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo sidelined.
The 24-year-old, who has started just five Premier League games all season, seemingly isn’t United’s long-term midfield solution, with a genuine upgrade needed before the window closes.
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That perfect replacement could well emerge in the form of Atalanta’s Ederson, with TEAMtalk reporting that talks have already been held – on behalf of intermediaries – to gauge whether a move would be possible for INEOS this month.
As per the report, the Brazilian is a long-term target, with United ready to pounce should he be available for a reduced price in the winter window.
There is a suggestion that the 25-year-old could be on the market for below €40m (£35m), and if that is to be the case, the Red Devils would be ready to strike.
Why Ederson would be the perfect Ugarte upgrade
Much like it looked to be the beginning of the end for Ten Hag in 2024, the same was arguably true of Ugarte this summer, with the former Paris Saint-Germain man having been an unused substitute for the Europa League final defeat in May.
Subsequently given a dressing down by Amorim at Carrington, the defensive-minded midfielder has been bypassed by the ageing Casemiro this season, while failing to truly capitalise on the injury woes of Mainoo and Fernandes of late.
Indeed, United’s South American duo were particularly poor against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, while Ugarte was especially off the pace in the loss at Villa Park not too long ago.
An upgrade is then just what Amorim is in need of, and Ederson could represent the perfect pick, having been hailed as a “monster” by journalist Ryan Taylor.
Part of the Atalanta side that swept to Europa League glory in 2024, the 26-year-old is a real all-round midfield asset, notably ranking in the top 14% of Serie A midfielders last season for interceptions per 90, as per FBref, while also ranking in the top 11% for progressive passes per 90.
For comparison, Ugarte did rank in the top 6% for tackles in the Premier League in 2024/25, highlighting his ball-winning prowess, although it is the other side of his game that is distinctly lacking, having ranked in just the bottom 18% for progressive carries.
It has, unfortunately, become a familiar sight seeing the United struggler turning into trouble or seeking the safe option when in possession, while his long ball accuracy is particularly erratic.
Ederson vs Ugarte – 25/26 League stats
Stat (*per game)
Ederson
Ugarte
Games (starts)
13 (12)
13 (5)
Goals
0
0
Assists
0
0
Key passes*
0.6
0.2
Pass accuracy*
91%
84%
Long ball pass accuracy*
73%
47%
Pass accuracy (opp. half)*
89%
82%
Tackles & Interceptions*
2.9
3.0
Total duels won*
50%
53%
Stats via Sofascore
As can be seen above, Ederson outstrips his midfield counterpart across key passing metrics in 2025/26 again, while there is little difference in their defensive contributions, with regard to tackles, interceptions and total duels won.
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In essence, the £35m man has the same relentless work ethic as his fellow South American, but while also possessing quality on the ball too, providing Amorim with the best of both worlds in the centre of the park.
With INEOS having chased different priorities over the summer, it would almost be an act of negligence not to strengthen the midfield this month.
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