Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Manchester United still have a few weeks ahead of them if they want to mount a serious challenge for a place in the Premier Leagueis the top four of this campaign.
Ruben AmorimThe Italian team appears to have turned a corner over the past two weeks, as evidenced by their recent four-match unbeaten run that has placed them within sight of the top four.
However, the January transfer window could come at an ideal time, providing INEOS with the perfect opportunity to strengthen the squad and improve their chances of competing in European football.
Having spent £200million on new additions in the summer transfer window, it remains to be seen how much the hierarchy will invest in the upcoming winter transfer window.
As a result, many players already on the books may have to be sacrificed, which could see a player leave after just 18 months at Old Trafford.
Why Ugarte could be sold by INEOS in January
In the summer of 2024, United shelled out £50million for the midfielder’s signature. Manuel Ugarté from PSG – a deal that injected optimism into the fan base.
However, 18 months on, it is clear that the deal was a disaster, with the Uruguay international quickly falling down Amorim’s hierarchy in the current campaign.
He has only started three league matches out of a possible 17, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
Ugarte was handed a start against Aston Villa after the Brazilian received his fifth yellow card of the season, but it was an afternoon to forget for the 24-year-old.
He played for 73 minutes in the West Midlands before being withdrawn, with the underlying numbers from the defeat demonstrating his lack of quality and impact.
The midfielder lost 50% of the duels he participated in, while he only won 40% of the tackles he participated in, demonstrating his lack of quality without the ball, which is supposed to be his greatest asset.
United have now lost all seven games he has started this season, which could see him fall further down the selection order with the big addition struggling to live up to expectations.
The star who could end Ugarte’s Man Utd career
In a bid to strengthen the midfield department, United could look to the transfer market in an attempt to improve the options Amorim has in the immediate and long term.
Elliot Anderson is a player who has been firmly on their radar over the past couple of months, with the Nottingham Forest star potentially costing around £100m.
He is not the only player currently in the crosshairs, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton another option being considered by the hierarchy ahead of the winter window.
However, both deals would cost a small fortune in the January transfer window, which could prevent the hierarchy from achieving any of their dream goals in the coming months.
As a result, young talent may well be considered for promotion to the senior ranks, which could see midfielder Sekou Kone gain his first taste of senior football in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old, who arrived from Guidars FC in the summer of 2024, has been part of the youth ranks since his transfer, racking up a total of 20 appearances at various levels.
Meanwhile, he has already racked up two goals and two assists despite playing in depth, with more defensive responsibility placed on his shoulders.
The Malian youngster is yet to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils, but he could end Ugarte’s career at the club if given the chance to succeed in Manchester.
Kone, who has been nicknamed a “beast” from talent scout Antonio Mango, has produced impressive numbers at youth level, many of which could make him a superb long-term option for the Red Devils.
|
Koné rescue – U17 World Cup |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
By 90 |
Tournament total |
|
Key passes |
1.6 |
10 |
|
Completed dribbles |
2.5 |
16 |
|
Long balls finished |
5.5 |
35 |
|
Tackles and interceptions |
6.4 |
41 |
|
Aerial duels won |
2.5 |
16 |
|
Statistics via Couch Score |
||
He also previously featured in the U17 World Cup for his country, subsequently completing an average of 1.6 key passes and 2.5 dribbles completed per 90.
The youngster’s talents are also reflected in his total of 6.4 tackles and interceptions and 2.5 jumps won per 90 – making him arguably the perfect option to go box-to-box at Old Trafford.
At just 19 years old, he still has plenty of time to improve over the coming years, and could be United’s future under Amorim for many years to come.
As for Ugarte, he could have some extremely difficult minutes to come by in the near future, which could see the hierarchy cashing in on his services to avoid losing a considerable sum on their investment.
