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Has £50 million man run out of time at Manchester United?- Fabrizio Romano weighs in

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 7:19 PM ET

Manchester United and Ruben Amorim retain faith in Manuel Ugarte

Manchester United’s midfield puzzle keeps drawing the attention of everyone. The club is trying to regain the balance across all positions they once had in their illustrious past. After a busy summer in 2025 and a change in management, the focus has shifted to Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £42 million, and add-ons could push the fee beyond £50 million.

The move showed that United wanted to strengthen their defensive midfield after growing doubts over Casemiro’s future. They placed high hopes on Ugarte. He built a strong reputation at Sporting CP and PSG for his ball-winning skills and relentless energy.

However, Fabrizio Romano, writing for GiveMeSport, reported that the situation has grown more uncertain. Romano, however, said the club’s hierarchy still trusts Ugarte’s potential but expects him to improve soon. His early displays showed control and intensity, but inconsistency has crept into the Uruguayan international’s game of late.

The midfielder featured regularly across all competitions last season. The 24-year-old scored two goals and provided six assists in his debut season. Ugarte made key contributions in the Premier League and the Europa League. Yet, he has started this ongoing season quietly.

“Of course, performances haven’t always been excellent, but the coach and club maintain their trust in Ugarte. They hope for improvement soon.”

The former PSG midfielder has played seven league games and one EFL Cup match without scoring or assisting. With new coach Rúben Amorim now leading the team, Ugarte faces stronger competition for a starting spot. He must also adjust to a new tactical system. We reported earlier that Atlético Madrid are eyeing a shock move for Manuel Ugarte, while Serie A clubs remain interested and could revisit a move in 2026. His time at Old Trafford could still take several twists and turns.

Why does Ugarte still deserve patience despite the frustration?

Many fans now question whether United should keep faith in Ugarte or bring in another defensive midfielder next summer. His numbers have shown his effort, but not dominance in that position. In the 2024–25 season, he played nearly 2,900 minutes across all competitions. Yet, the 24-year-old’s impact shifted with the team’s inconsistent form.

Despite his energy and hard work, he sometimes failed to control matches against faster opponents. The club wants a midfielder who protects the defence better and keeps possession under pressure. They also want someone who gives Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes the freedom to move forward.

Still, United could make a mistake if they write Ugarte off too early. The Uruguayan stands out as one of the few players who break up play effectively and set the rhythm in midfield. His age and ability to adapt suggest that United could have their reward if they stick to him rather than selling him. Ugarte needs rhythm, confidence, and a steady run of matches. If he finds those, the faith Fabrizio Romano mentioned could finally pay off.

However, we are already aware of the fact that the Red Devils have been linked with a lot of defensive midfielders to fit into Amorim’s two-man midfield system. So, United fans, what do you think will happen to Manuel Ugarte? Do you want the club to stick to the Uruguayan?

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

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