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Manchester United are on the cusp of a significant midfield transformation as they finalize the signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, while long-serving midfielder Scott McTominay prepares to depart for Napoli. The contrasting moves highlight Erik ten Hag’s vision for a new-look United midfield, designed to bring energy, resilience, and tactical flexibility to a team that struggled with consistency last season.
Manuel Ugarte To Man UTD: A Defensive Backbone for the Future
United’s pursuit of Manuel Ugarte has been drawn out, but the deal is now close to completion. The club has agreed to pay PSG an initial fee of €50 million (£42.3m), with an additional €10 million in performance-related add-ons. Ugarte, a 23-year-old Uruguayan international, is expected to fly to Manchester for his medical on Tuesday before signing a long-term contract.
Ugarte’s arrival is a strategic move by United to address a glaring weakness in their midfield. Last season, injuries and underperformance left the team exposed, forcing Bruno Fernandes to take on an unsustainable workload. Ugarte, known for his tenacity and defensive acumen, could be the solution. He led Ligue 1 in tackles last season, despite not being a regular starter, and his ability to disrupt opposition play will be invaluable to Ten Hag’s plans.
For United, Ugarte is more than just a midfield enforcer; he’s a long-term investment. With his best years ahead of him, the Uruguayan is expected to grow into a pivotal role at Old Trafford, bringing the kind of energy and dynamism that has been sorely missing in recent years.
McTominay’s Departure: The End of an Era
As Ugarte prepares to join, Scott McTominay is set to leave Manchester United after 22 years with the club. The Scottish international, who joined United’s youth academy at the age of five, is close to finalizing a €30 million (£25.4m) move to Napoli. McTominay’s departure, while necessary for the club’s evolution, marks the end of an era for a player who has been a loyal servant to United.
McTominay’s exit is driven by his desire for regular first-team football, something Ten Hag could not guarantee. Despite being a reliable presence for United last season, making 32 Premier League appearances and scoring seven goals, McTominay found himself increasingly on the fringes as Ten Hag looked to overhaul his midfield. The move to Napoli offers McTominay a fresh start, while United gain financial flexibility and compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, which incentivize the sale of homegrown players.
The Bigger Picture: Ten Hag’s Midfield Overhaul
The simultaneous arrival of Ugarte and departure of McTominay underscore the broader changes happening at Manchester United under Ten Hag. The Dutch manager has been methodical in reshaping his squad, prioritizing youth and energy over experience. Ugarte’s signing is a clear statement of intent, signaling United’s commitment to building a midfield that can compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe.
While Ugarte’s arrival brings hope for the future, McTominay’s departure is bittersweet. The Scot’s journey from academy prospect to first-team regular is a testament to his dedication, but football is a ruthless business. For United, the decision to part ways with McTominay is as much about strategy as it is about sentiment.
A New Era Beckons
As Manchester United prepare to welcome Manuel Ugarte and say goodbye to Scott McTominay, the club stands on the brink of a new era. Ugarte’s combative style and boundless energy promise to reinvigorate a midfield that has long been in need of reinforcement. Meanwhile, McTominay’s departure, though emotional, is a necessary step in Ten Hag’s ongoing mission to build a team capable of challenging for major honors.
In this changing of the guard, Manchester United are not just making transfers; they are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more competitive future. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Ugarte integrates into the squad—and whether his presence can help United finally reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
