Man Utd now want to sign 'world-class' star if Ugarte does not join them - report

Manchester United have made a couple of signings in the current transfer window.

The Red Devils signed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro from Bologna and Lille respectively. They are likely to make more reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season.

A defensive midfielder is one of the priorities for manager Erik ten Hag. Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte has agreed personal terms with United, but a deal could be difficult to pull off.

The French champions are eyeing at least £59 million to part ways with the Uruguayan star, but United currently prefer to sign him on loan with an option to buy next summer.

This could be a stumbling block. Manchester Evening News claim that Sofyan Amrabat is under consideration if the club fail to make headway into a prospective deal for Ugarte.

Amrabat would not be a good Ugarte alternative

Amrabat joined United on loan from Fiorentina on deadline day last summer.

The 27-year-old did not live up to expectations until early May. He impressed in the last three league games and went on to play an important role in the FA Cup final.

United’s hierarchy opted against triggering the £17 million buy clause in his loan contract, but it has been reported that they could negotiate fresh payment terms with Fiorentina.

In our view, the ‘world-class‘ star should be signed as a back-up option to Ugarte but not as an alternative.

The Utrecht graduate was good with the ball at his feet last season, but he was prone to losing possession. United need an upgrade on him with Casemiro not in his prime.

Ugarte would be an ideal signing for United. He had a passing accuracy of 91 percent last term, but also excelled defensively with 6.4 duels and 3.9 tackles won per league game.

The Uruguayan also made 7.2 ball recoveries per outing. United should prioritise a deal for Ugarte and they could sign him for less with Joao Neves set to join Paris Saint-Germain.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com