Overview
- Club legend Nicky Butt said Manuel Ugarte is "not a Manchester United midfielder in a million years," calling him emblematic of poor recent recruitment.
- Rio Ferdinand labeled Ugarte's displays disappointing and framed improving the midfielder as a key early challenge for interim manager Michael Carrick.
- Ugarte has made seven Premier League starts since his 2024 move from PSG and acknowledged in September that his level had not been good enough.
- Turkish outlets report Galatasaray are pursuing a January loan with an option to buy and claim personal terms are agreed, with some reports suggesting United want about €36m if he is sold.
- ESPN’s Mark Ogden reports there are no plans for January additions and that Carrick is expected to work with the current squad, underscoring conflicting claims over Ugarte’s immediate future.