Manuel Ugarte’s first words as Manchester United player as he secures £42m Old Trafford transfer

Manuel Ugarte’s first words as Manchester United player as he secures £42m Old Trafford transfer

Manuel Ugarte’s opening remarks following his signing of a five-year contract to join Manchester United from Paris St. Germain.

At an initial cost of £42 million, Manchester United acquired Manuel Ugarte from Paris St. Germain, a team in Ligue 1.

Ugarte becomes the fifth addition to Erik ten Hag’s squad this summer after several players were sold and Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui were acquired.

Scott McTominay, a former academy graduate, is one of those sales. He signed a £25.7 million contract to join Serie A team Napoli.

Ugarte has signed a five-year contract with the club, while United can extend it by one more season if they deem it necessary.

Speaking to club media for the first time since his signing, Ugarte said: “It is an incredible feeling to join a club of this magnitude; one that is admired all around the world.

The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting; Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player.

“The passion of supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford.

“I’m someone who is so determined to succeed; I will sacrifice and give everything for my teammates. Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”

United’s full statement read: “Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Manuel Ugarte has joined the club, subject to registration. The Uruguay international has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year.

“Last season Ugarte, 23, won the league and cup double with Paris Saint-Germain before playing every game at Copa América and being named in the team of the tournament, taking his tally of international caps to 22.

“Since the start of the 2022/23 season Ugarte has averaged the second highest number of tackles per 90 minutes in Europe’s major leagues.”