Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Manuel Ugarte on the transfer deadline day.
Ugarte moves to Old Trafford in a deal worth €50 million from Paris Saint-Germain plus a further €10m in add-ons.
The midfielder has inked a five-year contract with the club having the option to extend the deal for a further 12 months.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude – one that is admired all around the world.
“The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting; Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player.
“I’m someone who is so determined to succeed; I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates. Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
United have already bolstered their squad with forward Joshua Zirkzee and defensive trio Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui this summer.
The Red Devils have been searching for a solid defensive midfielder all summer.
Casemiro dazzled in his debut season at United, but his recent struggles have been hard to ignore.
Kobbie Mainoo is another midfielder who could operate as a number six. However, Erik ten Hag wanted more depth in midfield, especially after the club decided against signing Sofyan Amrabat.
Ugarte’s arrival promises to shore up United’s midfield with his tireless work ethic and knack for winning the ball.
United wanted a player who could make interceptions and tackles. Casemiro played that role last season but his lack of pace left the side too open in the centre.
United face Liverpool next in the Premier League. Ugarte won’t be part of that high-profile clash as the Red Devils failed to register him in time.
