David Ornstein suggests Man United’s deal for Manuel Ugarte far from close

Manchester United’s hunt for a new defensive midfielder might not be a foregone conclusion as some reports have made it out to be.

The Red Devils’ interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte is well known with recent reports stating that United have even tabled a bid worth €45 million for the Uruguayan.

PSG are contemplating a sale while plenty of suitors like Manchester City, Barcelona and even Liverpool are keen on the 23-year-old, who has been lighting up Copa America 2024.

However, transfer expert David Ornstein has suggested that the move is far from close while terming reports suggesting a bid has been submitted as premature.

Ugarte deal far from close

According to The Athletic journalist, the United hierarchy are not unanimous in their verdict regarding the Uruguay international and before that deadlock can be broken, nothing concrete cannot be said regarding the chase.

United certainly like the former Sporting Lisbon star but more conversations are needed before the 20-time English league champions actually approach the Parisian giants over a move.

“I think it’s a similar situation with Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain. On the same night as Jarrad Branthwaite’s improved offer, reports came out from France suggesting that an offer from Manchester United had come in for I think around £38million.

“The checks I made suggested that again, this is perhaps a little bit premature, and that it’s not guaranteed that United are going to go through with the Ugarte deal. I think there’s other interest in him, and I don’t think there is a unanimity inside Old Trafford to go for him, so It’s going to take some more conversations.

“I’m not saying it won’t happen and I’m not saying there’s no interest, because there is. But again, that one is not so advanced for the midfield position,” Ornstein told The Athletic podcast (via GMS).

Midfield needs reinforcements

These quotes actually tally with what The Peoples Person recently relayed regarding Erik ten Hag’s preference over the defensive midfield position.

The Dutchman prefers Sofyan Amrabat’s extended stay over an approach for the PSG star and he has even patched up with Casemiro, hoping for the Brazilian to prove his critics wrong.

There have been talks that the Old Trafford side might eventually opt for loan signings in the middle of the park considering the level of work needed at the back and up front.

United are currently chasing as many as three centre-backs while up front, United not only want Joshua Zirkzee but also a backup No 9 like Dominic Calvert-Lewin or even Ivan Toney.

INEOS must not forget that midfield is where the club struggled the worst with neither of the defensive midfielders impressing while quite a few stars struggled to keep up with the frantic pace of the English game.

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