Man Utd star responds to Michael Carrick snub and drops summer transfer hint

Manuel Ugarte says he will fight for his place at Manchester United despite suggestions he will be moved on this summer.

The Uruguay international arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 in a £52million deal.

While United’s recruitment has improved over the last two seasons after years of mismanagement, Ugarte represents perhaps their worst piece of business since the Sir Jim Ratlciffe’s INEOS took control of footballing operations at the club.

The 26-year-old has been limited to just nine starting appearances this season with only Mason Mount, Ayden Heaven, Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee and Tyrell Malacia getting less game time.

While United’s light schedule has played a role, opportunities under Michael Carrick have been hard to come by, having not played more than half an hour of a match under the United boss having failed to start a game.

United will lose Casemiro at the end of the season with replacing the Brazil international a top priority this summer. The club will be in the market for at least two new midfielders should Ugarte also leave.

The former Sporting CP star was strongly linked with a move away in January with club legend Gary Neville expecting him to also be moved on at the end of the campaign. United are believed to be open to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.

Ugarte is currently with the Uruguay squad ahead of their friendly against England at Wembley on Friday night where he could come up against club teammate Kobbie Mainoo who is back in the Three Lions squad.

Speaking out on his situation at Old Trafford, the midfielder acknowledged few players can play every game and believes he will still have the opportunity to prove his worth at United.

‘It sounds like a cliché, but it’s what you learn the most from,’ Ugarte said. ‘There are hardly any players who play every game, maybe only [Real Madrid star] Fede Valverde.

‘It’s something you have to learn to deal with, and it’s part of the career. I’ve learned a lot, and I know my opportunity will come.’

Former Chelsea and Tottenham star Gus Poyet meanwhile is eager to see his countryman leave United this summer having once hoped to see him sign for the Blues.

‘Before he went to Paris Saint-Germain, I wanted him to come to Chelsea. When they started the rumours, Chelsea, big Chelsea, you know you want to come, make a decision, come to Chelsea,’ Poyet said.

Wes Brown predicts Man Utd's final games of the season

Manchester United have no other commitments other than their final nine games of the Premier League season.

Michael Carrick has guided them back into contention for Champions League qualification but the job is far from done.

Wes Brown knows better than most the demands placed upon a team at this stage of the season. The former United star gazes into his crystal ball to map out how the rest of the campaign unfolds.

Aston Villa (H)

This is the big game. Villa have been really struggling and they can't put opportunities away with their forwards out of form. I think United get the job done.

Verdict? Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa

Bournemouth (A)

A tricky one but I think we get the win down there.

Verdict? Bournemouth 0-2 Man Utd

Leeds (H)

I will go for a draw here. There is a long break between the two fixtures, both teams will be fresh but I just have a feeling about this one.

Verdict? Man Utd 1-1 Leeds

Chelsea (A)

This is the one. On their day, Chelsea play well and can beat you, even with 10 men. But if we have momentum going into that, the pressure is all on Chelsea at home. They are getting results but the crowd there aren't too happy, are they. They are not consistent.

Verdict? Chelsea 2-3 Man Utd

Brentford (H)

Another tricky game but but United will win here.

Verdict? Man Utd 1-0 Brentford

Liverpool (H)

Tricky, of course. Both will be scrapping for that top five and I think it will be a very tough game. Liverpool might still be fighting in the FA Cup and Champions League. But it will be tough.

Verdict? Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool

Sunderland (A)

United have a good record at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have shown how hard they can make it so it will be hard but I fancy United to nick it.

Verdict? Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd

Nottingham Forest (H)

If Forest need something, it will be tough. But a defeat could send them down. I predicted them to go down at the beginning of the season so this should be all three points in the last home game of the season.

Verdict? Man Utd.2-0 Nottingham Forest

Brighton (A)

Could things be wrapped up by then? I'm not sure. Brighton away is always difficult so I think it's a draw to see out the season.

Verdict? Brighton 1-1 Man Utd

‘I don’t know him, so I couldn’t call him! And he went to Paris Saint-Germain and I was a little bit upset because I thought it was perfect at that time for Chelsea.

‘But after that, he kind of didn’t kick on. Paris Saint-Germain and now Manchester United. He needs to find the right club.

‘So, yes, it’s a big summer for Ugarte and I hope he makes a good decision for him and for his family.’