A former manager of Manchester City has recently expressed a compelling opinion, suggesting that Manchester United’s current manager, Erik ten Hag, might have a superior ability to identify and recruit top talent compared to the renowned Pep Guardiola. This endorsement comes with the assertion that if Manchester United’s ownership fully supports Ten Hag’s player selections, the club could have a genuine shot at winning the Premier League in the upcoming season. The former manager emphasized the importance of bolstering the squad with a talented 21-year-old player, which he believes could be a crucial step in Manchester United’s quest for the title.
Manchester United is currently exploring options to strengthen their defensive midfield, with Manuel Ugarte emerging as a potential candidate. Ugarte, who transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer, has struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup under coach Luis Enrique, primarily because of competition from Vitinha. Despite showing promise, Ugarte has not been able to regularly showcase his abilities, sparking speculation about his future at the club. The need for a new midfielder at Manchester United has become increasingly evident, especially as Casemiro, once a cornerstone of the midfield, has shown signs of decline over the past year.
In addition to Ugarte, Manchester United has also been linked with Youssouf Fofana, a midfielder from AS Monaco. Reports from Le10Sport indicate that the club had expressed strong interest in acquiring Fofana, with discussions reportedly in progress. However, no agreement has been reached, leaving the door open for Manchester United to potentially revisit this option if their pursuit of Ugarte does not come to fruition. Fofana, valued at around £29.5 million, offers a more cost-effective alternative for the Red Devils. Known for his physical presence and defensive prowess, Fofana has made a mark on the international stage with the French national team under Didier Deschamps. However, he is not as proficient in ball-handling as Ugarte, which has led to some analysts questioning whether he would significantly elevate Manchester United’s midfield, particularly in comparison to the seasoned Casemiro.
There is ongoing speculation that Manchester United’s interest in Fofana could be a tactical maneuver to exert pressure on PSG to make a decision regarding Ugarte. Regardless of the strategy, the primary hope among supporters and analysts alike is that Ugarte will join Manchester United, thereby enhancing the team’s prospects for the forthcoming season. The decisions made in this transfer saga are seen as pivotal, potentially shaping Manchester United’s campaign in the Premier League.
The club’s pursuit of Ugarte and Fofana highlights their commitment to reinforcing their midfield, a necessity underscored by Casemiro’s waning influence. Ugarte’s potential addition is particularly appealing due to his defensive capabilities and ball-handling skills, which are seen as assets that could significantly strengthen Manchester United’s midfield options. On the other hand, Fofana, while bringing valuable defensive attributes, may not offer the same level of creativity and skill as Ugarte, making the latter a more desirable target.
The overarching belief that Erik ten Hag possesses a remarkable talent for spotting high-quality players—perhaps even surpassing Guardiola—underscores the importance of backing his judgment with full support from the club’s ownership. Securing a promising young player like Ugarte or Fofana could be a decisive move in Manchester United’s efforts to build a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. As the transfer window progresses, the focus will be on whether the club can finalize these crucial acquisitions, which could be key to their Premier League aspirations in the upcoming season.