Man United new starting XI with Raheem Sterling and Manuel Ugarte as transfer deal completes perfect window

Man United new starting XI with Raheem Sterling and Manuel Ugarte as transfer deal completes perfect window

PSG star Manuel Ugarte looks set to become Manchester United’s fifth summer signing to hand Erik ten Hag a strong starting lineup for the 2024/25 season

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The Uruguayan will strengthen an obvious weak spot in Erik ten Hag’s team by offering greater protection to a back four which has been left endlessly exposed time under the Dutchman.

Pressure will now be on the former Ajax boss to deliver better results and ensure United return to the Champions League at a minimum.

Depending on how quickly his medical at Carrington is completed, the 23-year-old could make his United debut in Sunday’s huge fixture against Liverpool at Old Trafford. It’s set to be a baptism of fire for the Reds’ latest recruit.

Ugarte will be United’s fifth summer signing in what has been on paper a good window. Striker Joshua Zirkzee and defenders Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have all been brought in to strengthen Ten Hag’s side.

And United will soon have several good options in every position once Ugarte’s transfer to the club is completed. The midfielder’s arrival could also provide a platform for Kobbie Mainoo to flourish in attacking areas.

The teenager has often looked restricted alongside Casemiro, having needed to make up for some of the spaces the ageing and less mobile Brazilian has left vacant. Whilst there are some doubts over Ugarte’s passing ability, the technical quality within United’s best-starting line-up should make up for that.

When fit, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are United’s best options at full-back whilst De Ligt and Yoro provide a solid base in central defence. Ugarte could then play in a deep-lying role as part of Ten Hag’s favoured 4-3-3 formation or alongside Mainoo in a 4-2-3-1.

Fernandes will be able to play further forwards to support a three-pronged attack which includes the pace and skill of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad. Rasmus Hojlund meanwhile is probably still United’s best striker.

United’s strongest XI with everyone fit: Onana, Dalot, De Ligt, Yoro, Shaw, Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Amad, Hojlund