The end for Ugarte: Man Utd will sign PL “monster” if they make £100m bid
Manchester United now have an even bigger task on their hands during the January transfer window after it was confirmed that Ruben Amorim had been sacked after 14 months in the role.
The 40-year-old’s outburst about the hierarchy following Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United spelt the end of his tenure, which lasted a total of 63 matches.
During such a period, the now former Red Devils boss was only able to achieve a measly 40% win percentage and led the club to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League during 2024/25.
As a result, the hierarchy’s focus for the coming weeks will no doubt be on recruiting a new manager to lead the club back to their former glory in the near future.
However, it has not stopped numerous players from being touted with a move to join the Red Devils, including one player whom Amorim sought after during his spell at the helm.
Man Utd could make £100m move for PL sensation
During Amorim’s tenure at United, he often struggled with the balance of the two-man midfield within his 3-4-2-1 system – something which no doubt contributed to his demise.
The likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes often partnered one another at the heart of the side, but with both players being over 30, a long-term solution is no doubt needed.
Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo could now prove a viable option after Amorim’s departure, with the 20-year-old able to get his career back on track after being continuously overlooked by the 40-year-old.
However, new additions could also be made in such a department, which has once again led to rumours over a move to land Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Red Devils are closely monitoring a deal to land the Cameroonian international this winter after previously wanting to sign him in the summer.
The report also states that he is seen as the perfect option for the immediate and long-term future to rebuild the midfield department, but any deal would likely be an expensive one.
They claim that the Seagulls are currently holding out for a reported £100m for his signature, with such a figure looking like it will be enough to get a deal over the line. Brighton have rejected any notion that they will accept a reduced price when it comes to letting the midfielder depart the Amex.
Why Baleba would end Ugarte’s Man Utd career
Manuel Ugarte was seen as United’s latest big-money midfield addition, after the hierarchy forked out a reported £50m for his signature from PSG back in the summer of 2024.
The Uruguayan international has since struggled to nail down his starting role over the last couple of months, which has led to questions over his future at the club.
The 24-year-old has featured in 14 league outings to date, with six of which coming from a starting position – resulting in just one solitary victory during such a period.
Whilst he’s seen as a ball-winning option, the former Sporting CP star has massively struggled in possession, which has no doubt led to discontent being directed his way from the fanbase.
However, despite the huge investment in his signature, Ugarte could find himself out the door at Old Trafford in the coming months, especially if a deal is completed for Baleba.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the Premier League, the Brighton star has dominated in key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better option for the Red Devils going forward.
Baleba, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by Eduardo Hagn, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this season, with more of which being made into the final third.
How Baleba & Ugarte compare in the PL (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Baleba
Ugarte
Games played
16
14
Minutes played
896
644
Pass accuracy
85%
80%
Short pass accuracy
94%
87%
Passes into final third
1.2
0.2
Take-ons completed
0.9
0.6
Progressive carries
1.1
0.9
Recoveries made
6.1
5.5
Aerials won
61%
47%
Stats via FBref
Such numbers showcase his ability to dominate with the ball at his feet, something which has been hugely lacking when the Uruguayan has started in recent weeks.
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Without the ball, the Cameroonian has been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 6.1 ball recoveries per 90 – a figure which is higher than that of the current Red Devils star.
Other numbers, such as 0.9 take-ons per 90 and 61% aerials won, showcase his quality in and out of possession, something which could catch the attention of the United board.
£100m would no doubt be a huge investment given the recent antics at Old Trafford, but the club simply let the opportunity of landing Baleba pass them by this winter.
At 22, he has all of the attributes needed to star at the Theatre of Dreams, not to mention having the chance to improve further in the years ahead, given his tender age.
As for Ugarte, his time at the club now looks in serve threat, with a deal for the Premier League sensation all but ending his career in Manchester despite his own big-money 18 months ago.
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