AC Milan are in talks to sign Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, exploring a reunion with coach Ruben Amorim as United seek to recoup much of the £42m they paid in 2024. Ugarte has struggled for game time at Old Trafford, has asked agent Jorge Mendes to find a new club, and faces a transfer valuation around £30m as Milan's hierarchy weighs whether familiarity with Amorim is worth the outlay.
Milan weigh move for Manuel Ugarte
AC Milan have opened discussions about signing Manuel Ugarte from Manchester United, aiming to reunite the Uruguayan midfielder with Ruben Amorim. United bought Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for £42m in 2024 but are now prepared to listen to offers after the player failed to cement a regular starting role.
Why United are ready to sell
United view Ugarte as surplus to requirements. He has started just 30 league matches in two seasons and slipped down the pecking order after Kobbie Mainoo reclaimed midfield priority. Coaching staff, led by Michael Carrick, have indicated Ugarte does not figure in long-term plans, prompting the player to instruct agent Jorge Mendes to pursue a transfer.
Familiarity with Amorim shapes Milan interest
Ruben Amorim, newly appointed as Milan head coach, previously coached Ugarte at Sporting and worked with him again during his time at Manchester United. That shared history is a key part of Milan’s appeal: Amorim knows Ugarte’s best qualities and believes he can potentially restore the midfielder’s form, making the move less of a tactical gamble.
Financials and negotiation dynamics
United are seeking roughly £30m to recoup a significant portion of their investment. Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani is reportedly reluctant to meet that figure outright, but talks are ongoing as both sides look for a middle ground. Milan’s calculus will weigh the transfer fee against the upside of restoring a player Amorim trusts.
United’s midfield recruitment and squad balance
United have already reinforced midfield by signing Ederson from Atalanta and remain linked with other targets, including West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. Those additions reduce the practical need to retain Ugarte and strengthen United’s negotiating position in transfer discussions.
Form, fit and what this means for Ugarte
Ugarte arrived with high expectations but struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s demands and United’s system. A return to Serie A under a coach who understands his profile could reset his trajectory. For Milan, Ugarte offers defensive solidity and ball-carrying ability in midfield; the risk is whether he can translate potential into consistent performances at a club competing for titles.
World Cup window could change valuations
Ugarte is currently with Uruguay at the World Cup and started the opening game against Saudi Arabia. Strong showings in the tournament — including matches against Cape Verde and Spain — could enhance his market value and complicate negotiations, while a quiet tournament would strengthen United’s bargaining position.
Next steps
Mendes has opened talks with Milan and further meetings are expected as the clubs seek common ground. Milan must decide if Amorim’s familiarity with Ugarte justifies closing the gap on United’s asking price, while United weigh the opportunity to free wages and reallocate funds to other midfield targets.
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The coming weeks of negotiations — and Ugarte’s World Cup performances — will likely determine whether this reunion happens.
Manchester Evening News
