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Manuel Ugarte's World Cup Struggles Leave Manchester United Ready to Cut Losses

Poor performances for Uruguay have shrunk Ugarte's market value and pushed United toward a summer sale that could be decided by Uruguay's final group game on June 27.

Overview

  • Ugarte produced a heavily criticised display in Uruguay's 2-2 draw with Cape Verde on June 22, with local outlets calling him sloppy and a weak link.
  • Match statistics reported by FotMob and outlets show he completed about 85% of passes, created one chance, had no shots on target, was dribbled past three times and lost all five ground duels.
  • United signed Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for an initial fee of roughly £42.3m with add-ons that could push the total above £50m, but he started only around 10 league games last season and was benched for the final six matches.
  • Multiple reports say Manchester United, under Michael Carrick's midfield rebuild, are prepared to sell Ugarte this summer even at a financial loss, with his reported £120,000-a-week wages making a transfer more difficult.
  • Uruguay must beat Spain on June 27 to extend Ugarte's World Cup audition and improve his transfer prospects, otherwise United will face a tighter market for recouping value this summer.