Manuel Ugarte left the pitch in tears after being stretchered off during Uruguay’s clash with Spain, with Man United potentially facing huge transfer ramifications as a result.
Ugarte started in midfield as Marcelo Bielsa’s side battled to keep their World Cup campaign alive, but fell behind towards the end of the first half following a howler from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Moments later, Ugarte was forced off after appearing to injure his knee while pursuing Spanish counterpart Pedri.
The 25-year-old covered his face as he broke down in tears while being carried off by medical assistance.
United will be sweating over Ugarte’s fitness setback, with permanent manager Michael Carrick keen to oversee a midfield rebuild this summer.
The Red Devils are looking to bolster their midfield with three new signings, but the third arrival is contingent on the club offloading Ugarte, who arrived for £50million from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Manuel Ugarte left the field in tears as he was stretchered off on World Cup duty on Saturday
The Man United midfielder appeared to suffer a knee injury during his nation’s game vs Spain
A major injury for the Uruguayan would mean United will have to return to the drawing board as they look to finance their transfer plans.
A deal for Atalanta’s Ederson was wrapped up very early, once again demonstrating the club’s willingness to move quickly in the market as they did in signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo a year ago.
The Ederson transfer was helped by United facing relatively little competition once Atletico Madrid made it clear they wouldn’t match Atalanta’s valuation, but that has not been the case with Matheus Fernandes.
West Ham are hoping to ramp up a bidding war for the Portuguese star with Tottenham seemingly prepared to meet the £85m asking price. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
Fernandes is in United’s price range, certainly more so than their previous top target Elliot Anderson who seems destined to join Manchester City from Nottingham Forest after his value rocketed past the £100m mark.
There is a feeling that Anderson’s move to City will kickstart the midfield merry-go-round among Premier League clubs this summer, not least in setting a benchmark for transfer fees.
Man United had been looking to offload Ugarte to finance their midfield overhaul
A potential £126m deal is indicative of the premium prices being quoted, and United must decide if they are prepared to offer more than double the £40m West Ham paid Southampton for Fernandes less than a year ago.
They remain in talks with the Hammers without yet making a formal bid, but it’s been clear for some time that the player’s personal terms would not be an obstacle.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott could be one of the first options United turn to if they cannot sign Fernandes, although he would be a cheaper alternative – and so would his team-mate Tyler Adams, who has admirers at Old Trafford.
Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are among the other midfielders on United’s radar, and they are continuing to monitor Aurelien Tchouameni’s situation at Real Madrid. It’s understood the Frenchman wants to stay at the club, but Jose Mourinho is still assessing the squad following his return to the Bernabeu.
United’s interest in Sandro Tonali appears to have cooled in recent months, and the Italian is attracting strong interest from Manchester City and Tottenham who have had a £75m bid rejected by Newcastle.
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