Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to sell Ugarte after flop against Leeds.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the co-owners of Manchester United, is set to shake up the team by wanting to distance himself from one of the club’s biggest investments: Manuel Ugarte. Following a disastrous performance against Leeds United, which culminated in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, the British millionaire did not hide his dissatisfaction with the Uruguayan midfielder, who cost the Red Devils an impressive £50.5 million in the summer of 2024.

Under the interim management of Michael Carrick, Manchester United is in a phase of restructuring and is fighting to secure a place in the next Champions League, currently occupying third place in the Premier League. Carrick has managed to revitalize some players who were previously underperforming, such as Kobbie Mainoo, but Ugarte remains a discordant note, unable to secure a regular spot in the starting eleven.

Even when given opportunities, Ugarte has failed to demonstrate the expected quality, with his performance against Leeds being the latest warning sign. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who watched the game from the director’s box at Old Trafford, was far from impressed with the Uruguayan international midfielder’s performance.

Sources close to the club reveal to TEAMtalk that Ugarte’s name is at the top of the list to be sold, as Manchester United attempts to free up funds and adjust the squad. “United will need to raise funds through sales, and Manuel Ugarte is very much part of those plans,” the report states.

The player himself, 24 years old, has already expressed a desire to leave the club at the end of the season, seeking a project where he can secure more minutes on the pitch. Although Carrick values the professionalism and quality of the midfielder, he acknowledges that a change would be best for both parties.

The Uruguayan midfielder has attracted interest from several European clubs and beyond: Galatasaray, from Turkey, is pushing hard to secure his signature. In addition to the Turkish side, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping an eye on the player. On the Italian front, Juventus has been making moves to try to close a deal, but currently, a transfer to the Turkish Super League seems to be the most likely scenario for Ugarte’s future.

This potential deal represents a significant blow for Manchester United and its fans, who expected much more from the midfielder who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain at an astronomical price. The Manuel Ugarte saga is far from over, but one thing is certain: the Uruguayan’s days at Old Trafford seem numbered. The summer promises to be hot in terms of transfers at Old Trafford, and this will undoubtedly be one of the hottest stories of the upcoming transfer window.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.