Manchester United are ready to offload Manuel Ugarte in the 2026 summer transfer window to make way for two quality central midfielders.
Manchester United are preparing for life after Casemiro leaves, when his contract expires in June 2026.
Despite Mainoo signing a new long-term contract with the Old Trafford club, the Red Devils' leadership believes that adding another central midfielder is not enough.
With the potential to return to the Champions League next season and Ugarte having only played 800 minutes this season, the Uruguayan player's departure is inevitable.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, it seems likely that Manchester United will spend big to sign two new central midfielders in the summer of 2026.
Therefore, Manuel Ugarte is likely to have to find a new club after two disappointing years in England.
The £52 million midfielder from PSG started 22 Premier League games under Ruben Amorim in the 2024/25 season, but has been relegated to the bench recently.
The loss of both Casemiro and possibly Ugarte has changed the thinking of MU's managers, as they plan to play more matches and add more depth to the squad.
Among the candidates, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali stand out. One of these two could arrive at Old Trafford as a direct replacement for Casemiro.
In addition, the Red Devils are also targeting some more affordable players such as Joao Gomes and Andre (both from Wolves) or Alex Scott (Bournemouth).