Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte to bolster their central midfield options. However, Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes believes his former club should have considered signing a different player instead.
United started their Premier League season on a positive note with a 1-0 victory over Fulham, courtesy of a late goal by substitute Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee is one of four new signings this summer, arriving from Bologna for a reported fee of £36.5 million. Additionally, defender Leny Yoro joined from Lille for over £50 million, although he’s currently sidelined due to injury. Bayern Munich’s defensive duo, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, also made their debuts in the win against Fulham alongside Zirkzee.
With the summer transfer window set to close on August 30, United are expected to continue their business and are keen on signing a No. 6. Manuel Ugarte has emerged as a prime target, with a potential loan deal for this season and an obligation to buy next summer being discussed. Ugarte, who is 23 years old, fits United’s profile for new recruits, having made 37 appearances for PSG last season after moving from Sporting Lisbon.
Despite Ugarte’s potential arrival, Paul Scholes has suggested that United should have pursued former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. After a brief stint with Barcelona, Gundogan returned to Manchester City this summer. Scholes also mentioned Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as an alternative option, though the Spanish midfielder declined a move to Liverpool earlier this summer.
Speaking on *The Overlap*, Scholes said: “I think that’s the type of player they need – a Zubimendi or – I’m gonna say – Gundogan.” He emphasized the need for a controlling midfielder to manage the game’s tempo and provide stability in United’s midfield.
Leave a Reply