Not Mainoo, Napoli wants this MU midfielder in January

Manchester United is currently going through a turbulent period in midfield, with numerous personnel and form issues emerging simultaneously.

In this context, news that Napoli has suddenly shifted focus to Manuel Ugarte instead of Kobbie Mainoo is attracting significant attention from European media.

Manchester United’s current midfield does not inspire confidence. Although Casemiro shows signs of revival, he still cannot maintain the stamina to play the full 90 minutes in the Premier League. The Brazilian midfielder is likely to leave Old Trafford soon as MLS clubs are closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, the expensive signing Manuel Ugarte has yet to meet expectations since joining the team.

Coach Ruben Amorim has even publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Uruguayan midfielder. This situation had raised hopes that Kobbie Mainoo, a promising product of the Carrington academy, would get more playing time. However, the reality is quite the opposite as Mainoo has not started any Premier League matches this season. The consecutive injuries to Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo himself have further complicated Manchester United’s midfield rotation plans.

In this context, Napoli was previously reported to be interested in Mainoo. However, the young English player’s fitness issues have made INEOS reluctant to risk letting him go in the winter transfer window. Instead, the Serie A champions have unexpectedly targeted Manuel Ugarte.

Despite criticism, Ugarte made a mark in Manchester United’s recent victory over Newcastle, showing that he has not entirely lost his value. This explains why Napoli, Lyon, and Galatasaray have all entered the race to sign the 24-year-old midfielder.

Galatasaray is considered a strong competitor since they have two close teammates of Ugarte from the Uruguay national team, Fernando Muslera and Lucas Torreira. The duo is believed to have personally persuaded Ugarte to consider moving to Istanbul. The Turkish club is preparing a loan offer with an option to buy, although the price has not yet met Manchester United’s expectations.

According to sources, the Red Devils want to receive at least 30 million Euros if they sell Ugarte, while Galatasaray is only willing to pay around 25 million Euros. Napoli and Lyon are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to step in if Manchester United lowers the price.

Manchester United spent up to 50 million Euros to bring Ugarte from PSG, so accepting a loss on the sale is not easy. However, if he does not improve his form soon and secure a stable role in Ruben Amorim’s tactical system, Ugarte’s departure from Old Trafford in January is quite possible.