Ugarte’s United Future in Doubt
Manchester United were prepared to sanction Manuel Ugarte’s departure this summer, only a year after his move to Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan midfielder arrived last August from Paris Saint-Germain in a £50.5 million transfer, a deal completed after weeks of negotiations. United initially wanted a loan with an obligation to buy in 2025, but PSG insisted on an immediate payment, having already lined up Joao Neves as Ugarte’s successor.
His spell in Manchester has not gone as planned. Struggles for form and inconsistency quickly underlined why Luis Enrique had allowed him to leave Paris after just one season. Reports suggest United were open to cutting their losses, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that several clubs explored a move. However, none of the approaches were permanent transfers, only loans, which prompted the board to dismiss the possibility of a deal. Romano explained that interest came from Italy but United refused temporary arrangements, leaving Ugarte in the squad until at least 2026, unless a significant offer arrives. The midfielder’s current contract runs until 2029, with an option for a further year.
Shaw Under Scrutiny After Derby Defeat
The defeat to Manchester City once again exposed the gulf between the two clubs, even if Liverpool and Arsenal now look the more likely title challengers. For United, the performance of Luke Shaw raised more doubts over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
Since signing from Southampton in 2014, Shaw has promised much but injuries have consistently undermined his career. Once hailed as one of Europe’s best young full-backs, he has rarely strung together extended runs of form. In the derby, Erling Haaland repeatedly targeted him, leading journalist Kevin Palmer to argue on social media that United should consider selling the 30-year-old.
Interest from Saudi Arabia emerged in the summer and could resurface in January. For now, Shaw remains part of Ruben Amorim’s squad, but his suitability to the manager’s back-three system is questionable. While he may offer depth behind Patrick Dorgu, relying on him as a starter appears increasingly unrealistic. The display at the Etihad reinforced that point, with statistics backing up the view that Shaw continues to struggle against elite opposition. For a player once described as sluggish in Europe, the latest showing felt more like confirmation than surprise.