Manchester United are willing to walk away from negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for Manuel Ugarte.
PSG have seemingly settled on their valuation for the Uruguayan defensive midfielder, which reportedly United think is too high, so the player is being priced out of a move away from Paris.
This doesn’t change the fact United need to sign a new defensive midfielder but it doesn’t help that the club hasn’t been able to sell Casemiro this summer.
If not Ugarte, then which other midfielders could United look at as an alternative?
United have been linked with Martin Zubimendi and Youssouf Fonana, however, these two players have very different profiles.
Zubimendi has risen to prominence after an impressive European Championship campaign, but Real Sociedad will demand a similar fee to what PSG wanted for Ugarte. The Spaniard would suit a team that dominates possession and I would worry about the lack of protection he’d offer our back four.
Monaco sensation Fofana is another great player, but he’s a box-to-box midfielder with defensive strengths. I find it hard to imagine the France international sitting deep when he’s arguably more effective in attacking transitions.
Here are seven midfield options United should consider as alternatives to Ugarte.
Andre
The Fluminense star was very close to joining Fulham and Liverpool last summer. The West Londoners were linked again in January when reports initially stated that United were keeping an eye on the tenacious Brazilian midfielder as a replacement for Casemiro.
Andre is a holding midfielder, primarily in the No.6 role. He joined Fluminense’s academy in 2013 and became a pivotal first team member, making over 150 appearances.
The 23-year-old Brazil international started in the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors earlier this year, with Fluminense winning 2-1 after extra-time.
Raphael Onyedika
Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has already hinted that Onyedika might be on his way out of the Belgian club, following reported interest from several European and Saudi Arabian clubs.
One club we know about is Crystal Palace. The Eagles have a good eye for emerging talent but it remains to be seen if they are willing to make a formal offer to sign the midfielder.
The Nigeria international initially rose through the youth ranks at FC Ebedei where he spent three years before continuing his development at FC Midtjylland. He quickly became a key player for the Danish side before signing a five-year deal with Club Brugge in a deal worth €10 million
Speaking to Voetbal Nieuws about his preferred role, Onyedika referred to former United midfielder Paul Pogba when asked about his idol.
“I like to win duels and I am also good with the ball at my feet,” Onyedika said.
“Personally, I look up to Paul Pogba. A lot of people say we look alike, but I just want to be the best version of myself.”
The 22-year-old has made a name for himself in Belgium for his strength, flair, speed and ability to hold up the ball.
Sander Berge
The Norway international was relegated with Burnley last season but Sander Berge’s performances under Vincent Kompany didn’t go unnoticed.
The 6ft 5in midfielder made 37 appearances last term and reports suggest United have already been in contact with his representatives are stepping away from Ugarte negotiations.
Moreover, Burnley are willing to listen to offers for Berge.
Ben Sheaf
After an impressive performance against United in the FA Cup semi-final last season, Coventry City midfielder Ben Sheaf has been listed as a potential target for the Reds.
Theatre of Red were first with a story on United’s interest in Sheaf back in June, and we’ve spotted several reporters run with it in the past 24 hours.
Don’t think Manchester United will sign a ‘major’ midfielder before the window closes. The market just isn’t there. However, would keep an eye on Ben Sheaf at Coventry. He was profiled at the start of the summer by INEOS’ recruitment setup. Cheap, low-risk and English so has a…
— Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) August 5, 2024
The 26-year-old midfielder began his journey at West Ham but moved to London rivals Arsenal in 2014. Sheaf had loan stints at Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers before eventually joining Coventry City in 2020 on a loan deal with an option to buy.
Only time will tell if Sheaf will get a big move to the Premier League.
Pepelu
Last season, Valencia midfielder is the player with the most minutes (3,305 minutes) and starts in the team. He is also the one who made the most recoveries (46) as well as being their second-highest scorer (7 goals).
The 25-year-old joined Valencia after coming through the Levante UD academy and playing for their second time, before two loan spells in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Returning from the lian, Pepelu established himself in the Levante first team in the 2020/23 season.
Pepelu joined Valencia last year and has been linked with Barcelona when Xavi Hernandez was manager.
Ederson
Ederson usually plays in a midfield two – on the left – partnering Marten de Roon at Atalanta. They share the responsibilities from advancing to dropping in between the centre-backs to support build-up plays.
The Brazilian midfielder is an all-action midfielder. He can break up play, build up play, support play, shoot, pass, carry and cover lots of ground.
Aged 25, Ederson has the right age profile for United. He has the strength to knock players off balance defensively whilst being solid when receiving the ball on the half turn or back to play.
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Red Bull Salzburg’s Lucas Gourna-Douath is a young talent worth keeping a close eye on.
The 21-year-old has excelled since making the move to Austria from AS Saint-Etienne back in 2022. Gourna-Douath made 35 appearances last season, including five in the Champions League.
The France youth international is garnering interest from across Europe, with partner club RB Leipzig reportedly considering a move.
Gourna-Douath’s combination of athleticism and technical ability makes him a modern holding midfielder, who is equally suited to a box-to-box role.
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man u need to sign Alex Baena and Yossouf Fofana.