United ready to sell Ugarte at a loss as Leeds rival them for Southampton's Charles

Manchester United are prepared to sell Manuel Ugarte at a loss this summer, according to reports, as the club looks to reshape its midfield under manager Michael Carrick ahead of a return to the Champions League.

The Uruguayan has struggled to justify his £42.3m move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, making just 10 starts in 24 appearances last season. The Sun reports that United’s hierarchy are willing to accept a fee below that figure, with Ineos — which oversees football operations at the club — needing at least £25.38m to avoid a breach of profitability and sustainability rules given Ugarte’s contract runs until 2029. His wage demands, however, could complicate any potential deal and may yet keep him at Old Trafford beyond this window. The 25-year-old is currently on international duty with Uruguay at the World Cup.

Should Ugarte be sold, United are reportedly targeting a third midfielder to complement the already-completed signing of Ederson and the club’s ongoing pursuit of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

One name previously linked with that third role, Southampton’s Shea Charles, has attracted concrete interest from elsewhere. Leeds United have submitted a £20m bid for the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international, though The Athletic reports that Southampton turned down the offer as it fell short of their asking price. Negotiations between Leeds and Southampton are said to be continuing, while United have not yet tabled a bid of their own for Charles.

The departures of Casemiro and the uncertainty surrounding Ugarte have made midfield reinforcement one of United’s most pressing priorities this summer. With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford, Carrick’s recruitment team faces a busy window to ensure the squad is equipped for competition on multiple fronts.