Ruben Amorim already hatches Man United transfer plan after two-year agreement

Manchester Evening News · Jeremy Cross

United acquired Ugarte from Paris Saint Germain in 2024 in a transfer worth £42m. However, the midfielder has struggled to establish himself with the English club. He has started only 30 league matches across two seasons - and dropped down the hierarchy when Kobbie Mainoo reclaimed his position in the side during the latter half of the previous campaign.

And Michael Carrick has informed Ugarte he doesn't feature in his future plans. United have brought in Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalantaand are poised to submit an offer for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.

Ugarte recognises he has no prospects at Old Trafford and has asked his representative, Jorge Mendes, to secure him a new club. Mendes has now initiated discussions with Milan regarding a potential transfer.

Amorim, who has been appointed Milan's new head coach, previously managed Ugarte during his triumphant spell at Sporting, and subsequently during his disappointing period in the Old Trafford hot seat. High expectations surrounded Ugarte - especially after Amorim's appointment - but he never lived up to his price tag.

Speaking two months prior to his dismissal as United manager, Amorim acknowledged he was collaborating intensively with Ugarte in an attempt to help him recapture his finest form. He said: "You can sense a lot of very good players come here, and sometimes they struggle. He is struggling at the moment but it is our job to try to help and help him to feel like I felt when he was a Sporting player.

"But it is a different world. He needs to adapt, and he needs to improve, especially in training."

United are hoping to recover a substantial portion of the fee they spent on Ugarte - and are demanding approximately £30m.

Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani is unwilling to match the valuation, but additional discussions are scheduled in an attempt to find middle ground.

A strong World Cup campaign could aid United's position, with Ugarte having started Uruguay's opening fixture as they were held by Saudi Arabia.

They meet Cape Verde on Sunday, before completing the group stage against Spain on June 27.

Read on Manchester Evening News

More from Manchester United

Man United learn Crysencio Summerville transfer stance alongside Mateus Fernandes talksManchester Evening NewsManchester United have discovered their new winger - they just might not play himManchester Evening NewsMan United transfer news LIVE: Marcus Rashford move 'blocked', Summerville move, Tonali latestManchester Evening NewsSeven Man United stars have left club as part of huge rebuild and three more could exitManchester Evening NewsMan United latest: World Cup star 'targeted' alongside £130m double swoopManchester Evening News
Prefer a machine-readable version? View as Markdown