Manchester United ‘preparing for Mason Greenwood return’ amid Manuel Ugarte transfer stance

Manchester United host their first pre-season friendly in 19 days and will be back at Carrington before then.

Erik ten Hag can make up for lost time in planning the new season after Ineos waited nearly three weeks to tell him he would continue in his role following a lengthy end-of-season review.

He will scout potential recruits with the club for a new centre-back, midfielder and striker. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos inner circle are expected to be ruthless with a cut in sales this summer amid United’s delicate position within the Premier League’s spending constraints.

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Mason Greenwood is one of the few expected to be sold this summer, but an exit may not come before the start of pre-season, while United have now been linked with an interest in a Uruguayan defensive midfielder.

United are ‘preparing’ for Greenwood’s return

A report from the Mirror claims that United are preparing for the possibility of reintegrating Greenwood into the squad for pre-season if he is not sold in the next two weeks. The striker is reportedly priced at £40million, but United have yet to receive such an offer. The article says that Lazio have tabled an offer of £30m.

Greenwood has not played for United since January 2022 after he was arrested on charges of attempted rape, control and coercive behavior and actual bodily harm, charges which were dropped in February 2023. Greenwood has always denied the allegations.

MEN Sport says: The Manchester Evening News understands Juventus and Napoli have registered an interest in Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Getafe. The Spanish club have outlined their hopes of retaining the striker next season.

Greenwood has just 12 months left on his United contract. Borussia Dortmund have meanwhile held talks over a potential move for the 22-year-old.

Agent Ugarte’s position upon exit

United have been linked with pivotal Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, currently away with Uruguay at the Copa America. He has been linked with a move to Liverpool, prompting his agent Jorge Chijane to speak out last month.

On the subject of a possible summer exit, he told O Jogo. He said: “Liverpool? There is a lot of talk, but it is not the only club, there are others.

“There is a lot of talk, but I am still not sure about the club. There are many possibilities on the table. It is almost certain that he will not stay, it is certain that he will leave. I think the situation will be resolved.”

MEN Sport says: If United want to pounce for Ugarte, it looks like he will be available. Erik ten Hag needs a new pivot, with Casemiro expected to leave this summer.

At 23, Ugarte would offer longevity, although there would be questions about his ability to crack Premier League football. He started five games in the Champions League group stage but failed to make it to the semi-final again, where he was on the bench for both legs – which speaks for itself.