Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has reportedly emerged as a priority target for Ajax, who are determined to bolster their ranks in January.

The Lancers have been off the mark in the first half of the season. They currently reside in third place in the Eredivisie, 16 points adrift from league leaders PSV Eindhoven. They are also struggling in the Champions League, sitting 34th in the group-stage table.

Therefore, the Amsterdam-based giants feel the need to add some reinforcement to their squad, and have apparently set their sights on Ugarte.

Ajax plotting move for Manuel Ugarte

According to Voetbal International, Ajax are seriously considering a move for Ugarte, as they believe he’s the right profile to fill the holding midfielder role.

Since the Dutch club won’t be able to afford the 24-year-old on a permanent basis, they’ll be hoping to secure his services on loan from Man Utd.

(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Even in this case, the source notes that Ajax won’t be able to afford the Uruguayan’s salary. Therefore, they might ask the Red Devils to contribute to his wages.

The report adds that Ugarte isn’t the only name on Ajax’s shortlist, as they’re also considering bringing back former Man Utd utility man Daley Blind for another stint, while also monitoring the likes of Stije Resink of FC Groningen and Gabriel Moscardo, a PSG player who is spending his campaign on loan at Braga.

Will Man Utd agree to loan out Ugarte to Ajax?

Needless to say, Ajax’s reported offer for Ugarte is not the most lucrative, as they only want him on loan, with United helping with his wages. However, the source believes that the midfielder would be open to the move, as it could boost his playing time ahead of the summer’s World Cup.

Ultimately, the deal could hinge on just how desperate MUFC are to offload the former PSG man, who has been producing underwhelming displays since his arrival in the summer of 2024.

Ugarte’s stats by club Appearance Goals  Assists Sporting CP 85 1 3 Manchester United 60 2 6 CA Fenix 57 2 1 Paris Saint-Germain 37 0 3 FC Famalicao 21 1 2

It should also be noted that Ugarte has another reported suitor in the shape of Galatasaray, who should be able to offer more favourable terms.

But in the meantime, it remains to be seen who will be in charge of United until the end of the season, and what plans he’ll have for Ugarte.

Darren Fletcher is currently acting as caretaker following Ruben Amorim’s sacking on Monday, but the management is inclined to bring in a more experienced profile for the interim role, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer considered the favourite.

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