European duo join Galatasaray in targeting Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United’s midfield is the next focus of the club’s rebuild with Manuel Ugarte looking to be one of the next Red Devils to face the cut.

Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford from PSG in the summer of 2024, however the Uruguay international is yet to prove his place in Ruben Amorim’s squad.

This season, the 24-year-old has made 13 appearances across all competitions, totalling 522 minutes,giving him an average of around 40 minutes per match, showing his limited role at Old Trafford.

With game-time still limited, as Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro remain the favoured pair when fit, January interest is starting to ramp up.

Galatasaray have approached United over a loan move for Ugarte, with the proposed deal including a £22 million (€25 million) option to buy should the Super Lig side decide to make it permanent.

But Galatasaray aren’t alone.

Turkish publication Turkiye, as relayed by Fotomac, has claimed Lyon and Napoli are also said to be monitoring Ugarte’s availability.

The duo are reportedly joining the chase as the window approaches and United weigh up their midfield depth for the second half of the campaign.

A switch to Lyon would see a return to Ligue 1 for Ugarte, having already spent a year in France with PSG before moving to the Premier League.

However, Napoli’s continued interest in United stars has now seen them turn to the Uruguay international.

The Serie A champions have held a long-standing admiration for Kobbie Mainoo and were even being touted as front-runners to sign him in January earlier in the season.

However, It’s now understood they’ve since walked away from that pursuit, seemingly pulling out of the race.

If Napoli have shifted their focus away from Mainoo, it would make sense for them to explore alternative options in midfield, and Ugarte’s uncertain role at Old Trafford could place him firmly on their shortlist.

The timing isn’t ideal for Amorim either, with Fernandes and Mainoo currently sidelined, forcing United to lean on alternatives.

Jack and Tyler Fletcher have stepped into first-team training and match-day squads, and Toby Collyer has been recalled from his loan at West Brom.

With Lyon and Napoli now hovering alongside Galatasaray, United may find themselves in a stronger position to dictate terms.