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Manchester United seem to be gearing up for another major overhaul in midfield, with Manuel Ugarte now expected to depart the club during the upcoming summer transfer window. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have communicated their position clearly to the Uruguayan’s representatives — they want him to find a new club, and that message has already been conveyed.

The situation appears quite serious. Romano has indicated that Ugarte’s exit from Manchester United is highly likely, while the club are simultaneously planning to bring in at least two new midfield signings before the start of next season.

According to TEAMtalk, United’s stance on Ugarte is described as “absolutely clear,” with the midfielder considered one of the players who could be moved on as part of a broader squad rebuild.

When Ugarte joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024, there was significant excitement surrounding the transfer. United offered him a five-year deal, portraying him as a combative midfielder capable of adding steel and aggression to their central areas.

At that time, it seemed like exactly the type of signing United required. The team had been lacking energy, defensive structure, and a genuine ball-winner in midfield. However, as is often the case in football, things have not unfolded as expected.

Ugarte has displayed glimpses of his potential — he is tenacious, covers a lot of ground, and is fearless in duels. However, the issue is that Manchester United now need more than just a ball-winning midfielder, particularly under the guidance of Michael Carrick.

Carrick’s vision for the team involves building a side that can dictate play, pass under pressure, and create from deeper positions. This is where Ugarte has struggled to consistently impress. The manager prefers midfielders who combine composure, dynamism, and defensive reliability with the ability to contribute creatively when in possession.

With Casemiro also departing and United preparing for the demands of Champions League football, it is evident that the midfield unit is being reconstructed almost entirely. This has placed Ugarte in a difficult position — he is by no means a poor player, but he might not fit the tactical profile that United are seeking for the next phase of their development.

Reports suggest that the club are keen to free up both space and wages in the squad to facilitate new arrivals. Offloading Ugarte could therefore serve a dual purpose — streamlining the team structure while generating flexibility for incoming transfers.