Manchester United has officially announced the acquisition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, just a year after the midfielder left Sporting Lisbon. The transfer fee for the Uruguayan could climb to ÂŁ50 million, with United paying an initial ÂŁ42 million, and an additional ÂŁ8 million in performance-related bonuses. Ugarte has committed to a contract that runs until June 2029, with the option for a further year.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Ugarte stated, “It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world. The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting. Manchester United is an ambitious club, and I am an ambitious player. The passion of the supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are, and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford. I’m someone who is so determined to succeed. I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates. Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, emphasized the importance of signing Ugarte, saying, “Manuel was one of our primary targets this summer. He is among the very best ball-winning midfield players in the world and has an excellent record at both club and international levels. His qualities, experience, and passion will be a great complement to our strong group of midfielders. Manuel is a player we’ve watched closely, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will make on the pitch and in the dressing room as we continue to strive for success.”
PSG initially sought a fixed fee of ÂŁ50 million for Ugarte, but United managed to negotiate terms they felt were fair for the player’s market value.
Ugarte’s arrival marks United’s fifth signing of the summer, following the acquisitions of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui, pushing the club’s total summer spending to ÂŁ200 million. The midfielder, who recently helped Uruguay secure a third-place finish in the Copa America, had been a top priority for United throughout the transfer window. Ugarte was eager to join the club, and manager Erik ten Hag envisions him partnering with young talent Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, indicating that Casemiro may no longer be a guaranteed starter.
Ugarte’s move was facilitated by United’s strong relationship with his agent, Jorge Mendes. Although Ugarte had a mixed tenure at PSG—often used as a substitute by manager Luis Enrique—he still contributed to the team’s domestic treble and their run to the Champions League semi-finals. Despite his limited playing time at the start of the new season, his future at United looks bright as he integrates into Ten Hag’s squad for the 2024-25 season.
