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Manchester United are at a vital point in the transfer window now, with deadline day looming at the end of the month, and them still needing midfield reinforcements.
The club have been desperate for some midfield signings this summer, with the interest in Scott McTominay heating up and the desire to offload Casemiro still there.
United have been pursuing PSG’s Manuel Ugarte for some time now, however getting the deal across the line is proving to be a challenge. The French side are keen to recoup the €60 million they bought the Uruguayan for from Sporting Lisbon.
However, United a reluctant to meet the valuation, with the two clubs coming together this week to discuss both Ugarte and Jadon Sancho. Another twist in the tail though is PSG’s recent purchase of Joao Neves from Benfica for €60 million plus add-ons, potentially freeing Ugarte to leave the club.
With PSG seemingly not budging, United are understandably looking at other options, with one of their other key targets, Adrien Rabiot looking more likely to end up at Arsenal, Real Madrid or Atletico Madid.
Aside from these two, United have found three more potential midfielders to look to in place of Ugarte.
United’s three Ugarte alternative’s as midfield reinforcements
EPL Index has reported there are three potential stars now being turned to to strengthen the midfield as Plan B’s to Ugarte.
Firstly we have Sander Berge of Burnley. The Norwegian international has recently been relegated from the Premier League, which could benefit United. The newly demoted Championship side are keen to offload players, potentially making him a low cost alternative.
He’s described by Duncan Castles on The Transfers Podcast as: “a taller player, a more elegant player in the midfield, but very good at retaining possession”.
One massive benefit to the 26-year-old is that he has proven Premier League experience with 66 matches played and three goals scored with four assists. The composure he has, being able to hold possession and run the game could fit nicely into Erik Ten Hag’s plans, providing a new dynamic to the squad’s play.
Next we have PSV’s Joey Veerman. The 25-year-old is not only a Eredivisie Champion, but he also has two Toto KNVB Beker Cups to his name and two time Johan Cruijff Schaal winner. Across his three years at the club, Veerman has grabbed 22 goals and 40 assists in 115 games across all competitions, showing his contribution to the cause.
The Dutchman also had a great showing at Euro 2024, helping the Netherlands reach the Semi-Finals where they were knocked out by England. Despite his limited game time in the tournament, Veerman commanded himself well, making several teams take note.
Finally we have Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. Whilst the 25-year-old was linked with the club earlier on in the transfer window following Euro 2024, United are circling back round to the star once more.
This ne may be more difficult with the Spanish club’s defiance in retaining their star man. Zubimendi’s technical skills were on stage for the world to see at the European Championships as he lifted the trophy with Spain, so it’s no surprise the club don’t want to sell him.
Ultimately it looks like United are keen on getting the Ugarte deal across the line, but any of the three alternative midfield reinforcements could be a great fit for the club.
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