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Forget Manuel Ugarte – Man Utd could sign £22m pressing machine midfielder instead
Forget Manuel Ugarte – Man Utd could sign £22m pressing machine midfielder instead
Manchester United are struggling to get a deal for Manuel Ugarte over the line – but there are other transfers they can pursue.
Manchester United’s squad-wide refit is well underway already, but there is one key area that still needs to be urgently addressed, and that’s the midfield – but progress has been slow, with a deal for number one target Manuel Ugarte proving to be a tricky one to get over the line.
The Manchester Evening News is among the outlets reporting this week that a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is still in the works, but all indications are that either PSG will have to drop their demands around the price or Manchester United will have to find buyers for players like Casemiro and Scott McTominay in order to free up the requisite funds. In those clauses lies the rub.
The hope had been that a Saudi Arabian side would step in with a big bid for Casemiro, but Pro League interest in the former Real Madrid man seems to have cooled off. Meanwhile, the parties interested in McTominay, like Fulham and West Ham, won’t match United’s valuation. Ugarte himself seems happy to speed the move along and his agent Jorge Mendes was purported to be in Manchester to sort out personal terms, but the clubs have yet to reach any kind of agreement themselves. The domino that needs to fall is steadfastly refusing to do so.
Fortunately for the Old Trafford faithful, United have been publicly linked with several other midfielders over the past few weeks and don’t seem to be focussing all of their time and energy on Ugarte alone – but the apparent alternatives include everything from like-for-like alternatives to players who fit an entirely different profile.
These are the five midfielders who are at the top of United’s shortlist, the current state of play with each deal and the verdict on whether they make sense for Erik ten Hag and his team.
Youssouf Fofana
Manchester United have been repeatedly linked with the AS Monaco and France midfielder and he seems set to move this summer with his club keen to cash in before Fofana’s contract expires next summer – and depending on which Italian source you choose to believe, United either lead AC Milan in the race to sign him (per Sky Sports Italia’s Luca Cilli) or Milan are the only team he’s interested in moving to (one for the Fabrizio Romano fans).
The 25-year-old is a hard-working pressing midfielder who forces turnovers and gets the ball quickly forward. He’s got stamina, energy and vision as well as being strong in the tackle, and would be perfect for the style of football Ten Hag has had Manchester United playing – he could bridge the large gaps between the deep-set defence and the attacking line better than most midfielders (something only McTominay really managed last season) and spark attacking moves quickly after winning the ball back. It’s reported that he’d cost around €25m (£21.5m).
The 3AM Verdict: Unless Romano has it right and he’s got his heart set on a move to Milan, the only reason for United to look anywhere else is because they want a more positionally-disciplined holding midfielder, which is perhaps a role Ugarte would be better suited to. If they want to play in a similar way to last season, however, Fofana looks perfect on paper and a bargain at the price. 9/10.
Sander Berge
A rogue name which appeared on the radar a little over a week ago, the Burnley midfielder has been one of the best players in the Championship over the last few years but has never managed to cut it in the top flight, especially when played in a narrow holding midfield role.
At Sheffield United, he was highly effective in a more fluid and advanced position but only in the second tier. According to the Manchester Evening News, talks remain ongoing with the Clarets looking for anything up to £30m for the Norway international;s services.
The 3AM Verdict: This is a tough one to wrap our heads around. Berge has struggled to show his best form in the top flight and been relegated twice, and he isn’t the kind of holding midfielder they seem to be after – his best football has come when he’s been able to attack the right-hand channels in advanced areas, which doesn’t seem to fit the way Ten Hag sets up at all. We’re prepared to be proven wrong, of course, but this has felt like a baffling link from the start. 3/10.
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Adrien Rabiot
This feels rather more like the right speed for a team with top four ambitions. The France international is a free agent after leaving Juventus in the summer and 90min are among the outlets claiming that he is interested in moving to Old Trafford – although they do note that neither party is in a rush to get a deal done.
The 29-year-old is not, of course, a holding midfielder and would be more suited to playing ahead of someone like Ugarte, but he does have plenty of the creativity and technique that was visibly absent from United’s midfield last season. His wages would likely prove to be astronomical, but that’s what a midfielder who can score and pass sets a team back these days.
The 3AM Verdict: In truth, a decision on Rabiot should be separate from any non-financial considerations surrounding the Ugarte move. United probably need a defensive midfielder first and foremost and creators second, so Rabiot shouldn’t be a priority until after a deal for Ugarte or anyone else is done. Otherwise, the only real problem with signing Rabiot would be having to deal with his notoriously belligerent mother, who doubles as his agent. 6/10.
Frenkie de Jong
The idea of Manchester United signing De Jong is cliché at this stage – he’s a Wesley Sneijder for the modern era, a midfielder whose name comes up every summer but who never touches so much as a single blade of grass at Old Trafford. Still, The Daily Mail reckon that United have reignited the flame for the hundredth time and Barcelona are probably still desperate to get his colossal wages off the books, so it’s not impossible that it all finally comes together.
Although not seen as a defensive player but more of a classic central midfielder, De Jong is stronger than often realised in the tackle and generates a very healthy rate of turnovers, and could work well in a double pivot alongside someone like Kobbie Mainoo so long as United tighten their midfield up positionally and condense the pitch a little more. He’s also a genuinely sublime passer with a huge range and great vision who keeps play ticking along beautifully even though he’s seldom the one who plays the final ball or gets on the end of it.
The 3AM Verdict: De Jong probably doesn’t have the pace and physicality to play effectively in the ‘deep defensive line/high attacking line’ system we saw last season, but if Ten Hag sticks with the much tighter set up we saw against Manchester City in the Community Shield, De Jong’s playing style might match up with what United need to a greater extent than they realise. The biggest problem is probably cash – De Jong is reportedly being paid over £600,000 per week by Barcelona, a club who make Chelsea look stingy with their contracts. 7/10.
Sofyan Amrabat
Ten Hag has hinted this summer that he may well move to bring the Morocco international back despite a disappointing loan spell last season, and Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claim that he is waiting on an offer before deciding on a possible move from Fiorentina to Turkey.
Amrabat fits the playing profile but, like Berge, hasn’t exactly gilded his CV when given a chance in the Premier League, and his performances for United last season were mostly pretty turgid. No formal offer has yet been made, and one wonders if Ten Hag would really repeat the same mistake twice.
The 3AM Verdict: What’s the definition of insanity again? Bringing Amrabat back might fit neatly with the words of that old chestnut. He was superb for Morocco in the last World Cup but all evidence since suggests that we saw an unrepeatable zenith in Qatar, and United simply have to move on. The effort is there, but the quality is not, and United need more. 2/10.
Report: Manchester United Star Set to Leave the Club in 2025; Others to Follow
Christian Eriksen Set for Manchester United Exit in 2025 – What’s Next?
In a recent report from TeamTalk, it appears that Christian Eriksen’s time at Manchester United could be coming to an end as soon as 2025. The Danish midfielder, who joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022, may be one of the first departures next summer according to Spanish sources. Despite his solid first season at Old Trafford, Eriksen has found himself falling down the pecking order. With his contract nearing its end, Manchester United seem unlikely to offer an extension, raising questions about his future.
Eriksen’s Contract Situation
Eriksen, who signed for Manchester United on a free transfer after proving his fitness at Brentford, has been a reliable and experienced option for Erik ten Hag. His initial season saw him make 44 appearances, but last year, the rise of young talent Kobbie Mainoo pushed him further out of the spotlight. While Eriksen’s £150,000-a-week wage isn’t astronomical by modern football standards, it’s a significant figure for a player in his 30s who isn’t a guaranteed starter.
According to TeamTalk, there are ‘no doubts’ at Manchester United that Eriksen will leave at the end of his contract in 2025. The report from Spanish outlet Fichajes adds that Eriksen ‘is set to become Manchester United’s first confirmed departure at the end of the current season.’ This aligns with United’s strategy of trimming an ageing squad, especially when significant wages are involved.
Eriksen’s Commitment to Manchester United
Despite the speculation around his future, Eriksen remains fully committed to United for what is likely his final season. In an interview with Wandsworth Times, he spoke openly about his dedication to the club: “I feel very good being at United. If they told me to leave I would leave but I didn’t hear that.”
When pressed about his future, Eriksen remained focused on the present season, stating: “There’s one year left so my focus is going to be on this year, going full out and see what happens afterwards.” His professionalism is undeniable, and United fans can expect the Dane to give his all until the very end.
Who Else Could Leave Manchester United in 2025?
Eriksen is just one of several Manchester United players who could depart next summer. As reported by TeamTalk, five other stars are also approaching the end of their contracts.
Tom Heaton: The 38-year-old goalkeeper has been a positive influence in the dressing room but may be nearing the end of his United career.
Jonny Evans: At 36, the veteran defender has been a reliable presence but could make way for younger players.
Harry Maguire: With speculation about his future continuing to swirl, the England defender could leave as his contract runs out.
Victor Lindelof: The Swedish centre-back is out of contract in 2025, and it remains to be seen if United will offer him a new deal.
Amad Diallo: The young winger is a promising talent, but his contract situation will need to be resolved soon.
This potential mass exodus reflects a need for Manchester United to rejuvenate their squad. With Erik ten Hag under pressure for some of his transfer decisions, the summer of 2025 could mark a significant turning point in his tenure.
Manchester United’s Transfer Plans
While Eriksen’s exit seems inevitable, Manchester United are already planning for the future. They’ve been linked with several high-profile names, including Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina. According to TeamTalk, United have surged ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Baturina, who has impressed with five assists in eight games this season. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah is reportedly on United’s radar as a free agent target for next summer.
These potential signings signal a clear intent from Manchester United to rebuild and strengthen key areas. With Eriksen’s departure likely, the focus will shift to finding creative and dynamic midfield options to fill the void.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
For many Manchester United fans, news of Christian Eriksen’s impending exit will be met with a mixture of sadness and acceptance. Eriksen has been a steady influence on the pitch, but the reality is that the team needs to move forward with younger, more dynamic players if they want to compete at the highest level.
Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence is a sign of the direction Manchester United are heading in. While Eriksen still offers plenty of experience and class, the pace of the modern game is unforgiving for players in their 30s. Erik ten Hag seems intent on shaping a squad that is not only talented but built for longevity. Players like Eriksen, while valuable, may no longer fit that vision.
From a tactical perspective, Eriksen’s departure could open up space for a more energetic, box-to-box midfielder who can provide both defensive cover and attacking impetus. United’s reported interest in Martin Baturina aligns with this need, as he’s shown the ability to create chances from deep and provide assists—something Eriksen has been known for throughout his career.
For fans, the thought of Eriksen leaving brings a sense of nostalgia, but also excitement for what’s to come. The club has been in a state of transition for years, and moves like these are necessary for long-term success. The key will be ensuring that the next wave of players can not only fill the boots of outgoing veterans but exceed them.
As Manchester United look to the future, the challenge will be balancing experience with youth, and Eriksen’s farewell may be one of the first steps in that process.
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Samuel Lusale’s move finally confirmed as wonderkid pictured with Man United jersey at Old Trafford
Samuel Lusale’s move finally confirmed as wonderkid pictured with Man United jersey at Old Trafford
Not only the first team but INEOS also made sure the Manchester United academy was strengthened with quite a few high-profile additions made over the summer.
Sekou Kone was quite the capture and has already been tipped to make his breakthrough in his debut campaign itself with his name included in the Premier League squad submitted to the league by the club.
Other prominent captures include Samuel Lusale from Crystal Palace, James Overy, formerly of Perth Glory in Australia and former Arsenal academy striking sensation Chido Obi-Martin.
However, all three deals needed ratification from the FA and the league and that took quite a while but recently, as relayed by The Peoples Person, both Lusale and Overy have received the necessary clearances.
Lusale to United confirmed
The former Eagles academy star recently confirmed his departure from the London club and now, his move to the Red Devils has been confirmed with the 17-year-old spotted at Old Trafford.
The Secret Scout, a reputable source for youth football news, uploaded a picture on X (formerly Twitter) showing the Slovakia U18 international standing at Old Trafford posing with the No 7 jersey.
BOOM 💥 Samuel Lusale to Manchester United officially complete 🔴 ☑️
The account also revealed that the 20-time English league champions had to fend off competition from England, Italy and Germany to land Lusale.
He can play as an attacking midfielder and out wide with versatility a highly valued trait in modern football.
Lusale tipped for the top
The player is slated to initially join up with United’s all-conquering U18 side but is expected to move up quickly to the reserve level.
Palace tried desperately to hold on to the teen ace but Lusale rejected a scholarship offer in favour of a move to Old Trafford.
The move was confirmed after the 20-time English league champions agreed a compensation package with the Eagles.
Now, only Obi-Martin remains to receive the all-clear to complete his move to United. Hopefully, that will be tied up as soon as possible.
Exclusive: Exciting Man Utd 17-Year-Old ‘Not Ready for Breakout Season’
Manchester United starlet Harry Amass was not included in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup hammering of Barnsley as boss Erik ten Hag has decided that the Old Trafford youngster is not ready to enjoy a breakthrough season in the first-team, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen grabbed braces, while Antony got his name on the scoresheet from the penalty spot, as the Red Devils cruised to their biggest victory since the Dutch tactician took charge thanks to completing a 7-0 rout of their League One opponents earlier this week.
Although Manuel Ugarte was handed the opportunity to make his first start since joining Manchester United in a deal worth up to £50.5million from Paris Saint-Germain during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, Amass was unable to work his way into ten Hag’s plans for the encounter.
Amass Must Develop Further Before Selection
Red Devils feel teen needs to prepare for higher level of physicality
Amass is not on course to enjoy a breakout season at Manchester United during the current campaign as ten Hag is adamant that he needs to continue developing his game before being ready for first-team action, according to GMS sources, which resulted in fellow youngster Toby Collyer getting the nod to start at left-back against Barnsley.
The 17-year-old was named on the bench seven times last term, including for the FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry City, but he is still seeking his senior debut and will be forced to remain patient in the coming months as he is not at the forefront of the Red Devils’ plans despite Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remaining on the treatment table.
Although there was some surprise within the Manchester United fanbase at Amass’ omission from the matchday squad when Barnsley headed to Old Trafford, GMS sources have been informed that there is a feeling behind the scenes that he needs more time to prepare for the level of physicality at the top level, along with the amount of pressure and expectation.
Harry Amass’ statistics at youth level
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Yellow cards
Sent off
Manchester United under-18s
17
1
3
3
0
Manchester United under-21s
6
0
3
3
0
Manchester United under-19s
2
0
0
0
0
Watford under-18s
2
0
0
0
0
Statistics correct as of 18/09/2024
The exciting left-sided full-back enjoyed a decent pre-season as he was involved with the first-team squad, but his only game time since the campaign got underway has come in the form of three appearances for the Red Devils’ under-21 squad, and he grabbed an assist in a Bristol Street Motors Trophy win over Barnsley.
Manchester United technical director Jason Wilcox was eager for the likes of Amass to be involved during the closing stages of last term as he was keen to assess whether he should be considered a first-team squad member, GMS previously reported, but ten Hag chose to head in an alternative direction as he chased European qualification and FA Cup glory.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Harry Amass registered 82 per cent pass accuracy, won nine ground duels, completed seven tackles and made four key passes during Manchester United’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy win over Barnsley last month
Ten Hag Still Viewing Amass as Future Talent
Left-back will be handed opportunities further down the line
Although Amass is not currently in the first-team picture at Manchester United, meaning he is not in contention to be involved against Crystal Palace on Saturday, GMS sources have been told that there are still high hopes for the teenager to make a name for himself at Old Trafford and eventually progress into the forefront of ten Hag’s plans.
The former Watford sensation, who was named in the matchday squad once before leaving Vicarage Road for the Red Devils, has been pinpointed as having a bright future ahead of him after there has been the success of academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo making the leap into senior action within the last 12 months.
But Amass is being forced to continue playing the waiting game before being handed a chance, and GMS sources understand that there will be opportunities further down the line as there is belief within Manchester United that he has the ability to eventually work his way into the picture amid Shaw and Malacia’s ongoing injury issues.
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