Ugarte's poor World Cup form threatens to derail Manchester United's summer transfer plans

Manchester United’s plan to sell Manuel Ugarte this summer is under serious threat after the Uruguayan midfielder delivered a string of underwhelming performances at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with Uruguay now on the brink of a shock group-stage exit.

United spent £50 million on Ugarte two years ago but have effectively given up on him, dropping the former Paris Saint-Germain man from their final six Premier League games of the season after a poor showing in the 2-1 defeat at Leeds. The club had hoped a successful tournament would spark a bidding war and allow them to recoup at least a portion of his fee. Instead, Ugarte has been criticised heavily by the Uruguayan press.

After a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde left Marcelo Bielsa’s side needing a result against Spain to reach the knockout stages, Montevideo Portal described Ugarte as “sloppy with the ball” and said he “was one of the team’s biggest weaknesses and should have been substituted much earlier.” He played 72 minutes against Saudi Arabia and 70 against Cape Verde, but failed to impose himself in either game.

Part of the problem, according to reporting from Old Trafford sources, is that Ugarte arrived at the tournament undercooked. Uruguay played no pre-tournament friendlies, and his lack of minutes at club level — benched for the final stretch of the Premier League season — left him short of form and rhythm.

Ajax and Galatasaray had registered interest in January, only for United to block a loan exit at that stage. A permanent sale remains the preferred outcome this summer, with the club hoping to use any proceeds to fund a third midfield signing. But with Ugarte’s stock falling rather than rising, loan offers may be all that materialises — forcing United into a difficult decision about whether to accept a temporary arrangement or keep a player they no longer want.

One alternative being considered internally is promoting 19-year-old academy midfielder Tyler Fletcher, currently at the World Cup with Scotland, to a more regular first-team role. That would give United the midfield cover to sanction a loan for Ugarte, potentially with an option or obligation to buy attached. Whether that structure attracts the right clubs remains to be seen.