The midfielder is set for a shock move to Manchester United

Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of completing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The move marks the first significant transfer activity under the new INEOS regime. According to The Express, talks are ongoing for Ugarte, who looks set for a quick exit from PSG after a disastrous debut season in the French capital.

Ugarte’s time at PSG: a mixed bag

Ugarte joined PSG from Sporting Lisbon in a £51m deal last summer, signing a five-year deal at the Parc des Princes. The 23-year-old was one of Luis Enrique’s first signings, alongside free agents Marco Asensio and Milan Skriniar. Enrique, formerly of Barcelona and Spain, replaced Christophe Galtier and aimed to bolster PSG’s squad with fresh talent.

Despite these ambitions, Ugarte’s time at PSG was less than satisfactory. He started just 21 of PSG’s Ligue 1 matches, making a total of 37 appearances in all competitions. Reports suggest that Ugarte has become disillusioned with his limited role, leading to his potential departure.

United’s recruitment strategy under INEOS

With the start of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, United’s recruitment strategy is undergoing a transformation. INEOS’ involvement sparked interest in Ugarte, who became a prime target. ESPN Uruguay confirm that Ugarte is on the verge of completing a move to Old Trafford after losing his place in PSG’s pecking order.

The Uruguayan international, who won 18 caps, is said to have fallen out of favor with Enrique. Despite this, Ugarte’s talent and potential remain undeniable, making him an attractive prospect for United.

Financial dynamics and transfer rivals

PSG are unlikely to demand the initial £51m fee they paid for Ugarte, paving the way for United to negotiate a favorable deal. Old Trafford is considered the most likely destination for Ugarte, although there is interest from Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

United’s transfer plans also include strengthening their defense and attack, with potential exits for Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial as free agents. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee have already been discussed. Manager Erik ten Hag is keen to improve his squad at both ends of the pitch.

Midfield review at United

Ugarte’s potential arrival could signal the start of significant midfield changes at United. Casemiro is one of the players expected to be sold to generate funds, following a poor second season. Ten Hag aim to replace the 32-year-old with a younger and more dynamic midfielder who can complement rising star Kobbie Mainoo.

United’s pursuit of Ugarte highlights the strategic focus on acquiring top talent to revitalize their squad. The possibility of securing Ugarte, especially after his Copa America commitments, is very much alive. As The Express note, Ugarte is the top target United have identified and the chances of a successful transfer look promising.

Manuel Ugarte’s defensive ability

Manuel Ugarte’s performance data from last year reveals his exceptional defensive capabilities. According to Fbref’s radar chart, Ugarte excels in several key defensive metrics, placing him in the 99th percentile for tackles and the 96th percentile for blocks. His ability to intercept plays, ranking in the 99th percentile, highlights his crucial role in breaking up opposition attacks. This defensive solidity is a testament to his positional awareness and tactical intelligence on the pitch.

Efficiency in possession and passing

In possession, Ugarte shows commendable efficiency. His pass completion rate stands at an impressive 95th percentile, indicating his reliability in keeping possession under pressure. Additionally, Ugarte’s 77th percentile progressive passing and 67th percentile progressive carries show his ability to move play forward and create opportunities from deeper positions. This dual threat of defensive solidity and proficiency in possession makes him a valuable asset in midfield.

Areas for improvement

While Ugarte’s defensive and possession stats are outstanding, his offensive contributions leave room for growth. He ranks in the lower percentiles for offensive metrics such as total shots, free goals and assists. Specifically, xG (expected goals) and xAG (expected assists) are in the lower quartiles, suggesting that his primary focus remains defensive rather than offensive.

However, his shot-making actions (31st percentile) and progressive passes received (24th percentile) indicate potential for development in contributing to the attacking phase. With the right guidance and tactical adjustments, Ugarte could improve his offensive output and become a more complete midfielder.

In short, Fbref’s Manuel Ugarte stats highlight his defensive excellence and passing efficiency, making him an intriguing prospect for any top team looking to bolster their midfield. His strengths in interceptions, tackles and blocks combined with solid possession skills position him as a formidable defensive midfielder with potential for further growth in attacking contributions.