Manuel Ugarte: Ratcliffe rules on Man United star’s Old Trafford future

The red flags should have been apparent to United, given Luis Enrique was desperate to boot the Uruguayan out of the Parc des Princes after his dreadful performance in the Champions League against Newcastle – a match which should have demonstrated to United’s recruitment team the struggles he would face in the Premier League.

After two years at the helm in M16, Ugarte ranks comfortably as INEOS’ worst signing.

Man United's signings under INEOS - Ratings

Jim Wants it Fixed

United are open to a sale this summer – but only if a suitable offer arrives to fund a replacement, or, more accurately, an upgrade.

The outstanding book value on the deal with PSG sits around the £25m mark if the add-ons have not been triggered, meaning Ugarte must be sold for at least this amount to avoid incurring a negative PSR hit. However, the club may even be willing to take this loss if Ratcliffe’s assessment is anything to go by.

The Athletic reports the INEOS chairman is “of the view that the 25-year-old should be sold”, a position which was only strengthened by his first-hand experience of the dismal 2-1 loss to Leeds United.

Ugarte started alongside Casemiro in midfield after Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out with a last-minute injury in training. The effect was immediately felt, with United’s engine room failing to rev as Leeds dominated the first half, going 2-0 up after 30 minutes.

The eventual 2-1 loss, aided by a controversial red card for Lisandro Martinez in the second half, stands in direct contrast to the 1-0 win over Chelsea six days later after Mainoo was welcomed back into the team by interim boss Michael Carrick.

Final Thoughts

United are planning to sign two midfielders this summer to replace the departing Casemiro and, if Ratcliffe has his way, Ugarte, with sourcing a suitable partner for Mainoo considered the priority.

There is interest from Serie A in the Uruguay international, while Turkish champions Galatasaray made advances in January and could reignite a move at the end of the season.

Featured image by Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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