Manchester United have bolstered their midfield by signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a five-year contract, pending official registration.
The 23-year-old Uruguay international joins the Red Devils after a successful stint with PSG, where he contributed to their league and cup double last season.
Ugarte, who has committed to Manchester United until June 2029 with an option for a further year, has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as one of Europe’s top defensive midfielders.
His standout performances, particularly in the 2022/23 season, saw him average the second-highest number of tackles per 90 minutes across Europe’s major leagues.
He enhanced his reputation by playing every match for Uruguay in the Copa America, earning a spot in the tournament’s best XI and raising his international cap tally to 22.
The deal, reported to be worth an initial £42.1 million with the potential for an additional £8.4 million in bonuses, makes Ugarte Manchester United’s fifth acquisition of the summer transfer window.
This latest signing takes the club’s total summer spending to over £190 million.
Ugarte Excited To Join Manchester United; Embraces Ambitious Project
In a statement, Ugarte expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Premier League giants.
“It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world. The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting; Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player,” Manuel Ugarte said in a statement.
He further added, “The passion of supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford. I’m someone who is so determined to succeed; I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates. Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, highlighted the significance of this signing.
He stated, “Signing Manuel was another of our primary targets for this summer. He is among the very best ball-winning midfield players in the world and has an excellent record at both club and international level. His qualities, experience and passion will be a great complement to our strong group of midfielders.”
“Manuel is a player we’ve watched closely, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will make on the pitch and in the dressing room as we continue to strive for success,” Dan Ashworth further asserted.
Ugarte’s arrival is likely to provide Manchester United with the defensive solidity they’ve been seeking in midfield as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
Fans eagerly anticipate his debut, hoping his presence will propel the team to new heights.
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