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Galatasaray eyeing January raid for Manchester United midfielder star

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 9:12 PM ET

Galatasaray are considering a January move for Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United’s midfield carries a silent tension. The club spent heavily last summer to build a balance between youth and control, but the project still feels incomplete. Rubén Amorim focuses on positional play and strict tactics, which unsettle several players. Manuel Ugarte is one of those players. His arrival once promised a strong defensive base, but he never found consistent form.

Now, Turkish journalist Erol Evcen wrote on X that Galatasaray have placed Ugarte high on their transfer radar for January. He reported that the Uruguayan midfielder has joined the Turkish champions’ mid-season plans. They want fresh energy in midfield, and the move will benefit both sides.

United’s hierarchy wants to raise funds and clear wages before reigniting talks for Adam Wharton. Galatasaray seek an industrious enforcer who suits their combative, box-to-box style. Amorim’s 3-4-3 system rarely highlights Ugarte’s best traits. The Uruguayan often feels stuck in its rigid shape. So, they also plan to refocus recruitment and are keeping a close watch on Carlos Baleba from Brighton.

A winter move to Turkey could restore Ugarte’s confidence. Okan Buruk’s Galatasaray play with instinct rather than fixed patterns. That setup could free the Uruguayan from positional limits. It could bring back the aggressive, ball-winning rhythm that once defined him.

Why Ugarte’s struggles make the sale logical for Manchester United?

Ugarte keeps struggling because of fit, not talent. Amorim’s possession-based setup demands control and sharp passing. It leaves no room for individual play. Ugarte thrives on breaking up attacks and winning second balls, but he ends up stuck in a predictable role. The system’s narrow front three often exposes him during transitions, forcing him to cover large spaces alone. When United lose shape, the imbalance hurts him first.

Amorim refuses to adjust his tactics, which adds more pressure. As results shift, players like Ugarte shoulder the burden of a rigid plan. So, we feel that United should view selling him now as the sensible choice, and they should demand a fee of around €40 million if Galatasaray want him.

Indeed, the Uruguayan defensive midfielder’s market value dropped, and Casemiro’s role limits his minutes. So, offloading him creates room for a more progressive midfielder who will fit more into Amorim’s system. A €40 million fee should suit both clubs, and if the Turkish club wants a loan move, then United should allow it to happen with the fee as the mandatory buy-out clause at the end of the loan. Galatasaray will gain a proven ball-winner, while United will reset their plans with leaner finances and clearer direction.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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