Man Utd star responds to Michael Carrick snub and drops summer transfer hint

Ugarte has not started a single game under Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty)

Manuel Ugarte says he will fight for his place at Manchester United despite suggestions he will be moved on this summer.

The Uruguay international arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 in a £52million deal.

While United’s recruitment has improved over the last two seasons after years of mismanagement, Ugarte represents perhaps their worst piece of business since the Sir Jim Ratlciffe’s INEOS took control of footballing operations at the club.

The 26-year-old has been limited to just nine starting appearances this season with only Mason Mount , Ayden Heaven , Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee and Tyrell Malacia getting less game time.

While United’s light schedule has played a role, opportunities under Michael Carrick have been hard to come by, having not played more than half an hour of a match under the United boss having failed to start a game.

United will lose Casemiro at the end of the season with replacing the Brazil international a top priority this summer. The club will be in the market for at least two new midfielders should Ugarte also leave.

The former Sporting CP star was strongly linked with a move away in January with club legend Gary Neville expecting him to also be moved on at the end of the campaign . United are believed to be open to offers ahead of the summer transfer window .

Ugarte was linked with a move away in January (Picture: Getty)

Ugarte is currently with the Uruguay squad ahead of their friendly against England at Wembley on Friday night where he could come up against club teammate Kobbie Mainoo who is back in the Three Lions squad.

Speaking out on his situation at Old Trafford, the midfielder acknowledged few players can play every game and believes he will still have the opportunity to prove his worth at United.

‘It sounds like a cliché, but it’s what you learn the most from,’ Ugarte said. ‘There are hardly any players who play every game, maybe only [Real Madrid star] Fede Valverde.

Ugarte says he will fight for his chances (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It’s something you have to learn to deal with, and it’s part of the career. I’ve learned a lot, and I know my opportunity will come.’

Former Chelsea and Tottenham star Gus Poyet meanwhile is eager to see his countryman leave United this summer having once hoped to see him sign for the Blues.

‘Before he went to Paris Saint-Germain, I wanted him to come to Chelsea. When they started the rumours, Chelsea, big Chelsea, you know you want to come, make a decision, come to Chelsea,’ Poyet said.

Sesko's goals could be vital (Picture: Getty)

Carrick has United back in the European race (Picture: Getty)

Can Carrick get the job done? (Picture: Getty)

‘I don’t know him, so I couldn’t call him! And he went to Paris Saint-Germain and I was a little bit upset because I thought it was perfect at that time for Chelsea.