Erik ten Hag Faces Early Pressure as Manchester United’s Pursuit of Manuel Ugarte Intensifies, Raheem Sterling update

Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has hit an early snag, with the Red Devils suffering a disappointing 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. This defeat, just two weeks into the Premier League season, has already sparked concerns about Ten Hag’s suitability for the job. Despite significant investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group, which saw nearly £200 million spent on new talent, United has stumbled out of the gate, and questions are beginning to arise.

One of the key discussions around Old Trafford is the potential signing of Manuel Ugarte. The highly-rated defensive midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is seen as a crucial addition to bolster United’s midfield. The club has been actively negotiating to finalize the transfer before the window closes on Friday. While talks are ongoing, the deal has yet to be fully completed, leaving fans anxiously awaiting confirmation.

Manuel Ugarte Transfer Delays and Implications

The transfer saga surrounding Manuel Ugarte has kept Manchester United supporters on edge. According to reports from Football Transfers, negotiations with PSG are progressing, but a few minor details remain unresolved. This delay could push the finalization of the deal until the very last moments of deadline day. If the transfer is not completed by midday on Friday, Ugarte will be ineligible to feature in United’s highly anticipated clash against Liverpool due to Premier League registration rules.

This potential delay adds to the frustration for Ten Hag, who is keen to strengthen his squad as quickly as possible. Ugarte’s arrival is expected to bring much-needed stability to United’s midfield, an area that has been a concern since the start of the season.

Rio Ferdinand Criticizes McTominay’s Departure Amid Ugarte Talks

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte, Manchester United’s decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli has drawn criticism from club legend Rio Ferdinand. McTominay, a player known for his consistency and work rate, is set to join the Italian giants in a deal worth up to £26 million.

Ferdinand, speaking on his Rio Presents show, expressed his dissatisfaction with the move, stating, “It really doesn’t sit well with me. To replace him, you’re going to have to spend £30m, £40m, £50m, and it’s not going to be cheap. It’s a gamble. You don’t know what you’re going to get with that next player, whereas with him, you know what you’re getting.”

The sale of McTominay further underscores the importance of securing Manuel Ugarte before the transfer window closes. Ugarte’s ability to anchor the midfield could fill the void left by McTominay and provide the defensive cover United needs.

Manuel Ugarte Deal Nearing Completion

According to El Pais, the deal to bring Manuel Ugarte to Manchester United is “practically closed.” While there are still some final details to iron out, Ugarte has already agreed on personal terms with the club, and both parties are optimistic that the transfer will be completed before the deadline. Ugarte’s addition is seen as a key component of Ten Hag’s plan to revitalize United’s midfield and push the team back into contention for a top-four finish.

Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho in the Spotlight

In addition to the Manuel Ugarte saga, Manchester United is also linked with potential moves for Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho. The Telegraph reports that Sterling, currently with Chelsea, is considering a move to Old Trafford. Sterling, a lifelong United fan, is reportedly open to the idea as he faces limited playing time at Stamford Bridge this season.

Meanwhile, Juventus is reportedly preparing a late bid for Jadon Sancho. The Manchester Evening News suggests that a private jet is scheduled to depart from Manchester to Turin, signaling Juventus’ serious interest in the winger. United, however, would prefer a permanent sale rather than a loan deal.

Conclusion

As Manchester United’s season begins under the weight of early challenges, the potential signing of Manuel Ugarte is seen as a crucial step in bolstering the squad. While the transfer window drama continues to unfold, Ten Hag must navigate the immediate pressures of securing results while also finalizing key transfers. The next few days could be pivotal in shaping United’s campaign, with Manuel Ugarte at the center of their plans.