Casemiro has already announced he will leave Manchester United at the end of the season.
However, former United star Gary Neville says the club will need to sign two central midfielders, as he believes Manuel Ugarte will follow the Brazilian out of Old Trafford.
Ugarte arrived in Manchester with high expectations after completing a £50 million move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. But the former Sporting CP star has failed to justify his hefty price tag.
Following two underwhelming seasons in the Premier League, Ugarte is yet to make a start under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Neville thinks the Uruguayan will likely be sold, despite the player still having more than three years left on his contract.
He said on his Sky Sports podcast: “Casemiro is leaving, and I think Ugarte will leave, so they need two really good central midfield players.
“Probably one that’s more positional, maybe like a Michael Carrick-type, and one that is more of a destroyer.”
Carrick has been impressed with Ugarte’s attitude and training qualities.
But with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo performing so well, the 24-year-old is unlikely to start before the end of the season.
United plan to bring two quality midfielders in the summer, and reportedly have Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton on their radar.
Given Ugarte’s lack of impact, the club will look to sell him in the next transfer window.
Ajax enquired about a move for the defensive midfielder in January, and they could revisit their interest in the summer.
Ugarte is currently struggling for opportunities at United and would be happy to seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Stats from Transfermarkt.
