Manchester United target double midfield signing as Ugarte faces shock exit after one season

Manchester United will sign two midfielders this summer with both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte set to leave the club, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist revealed on his YouTube channel that United have already begun exploring options for Ugarte's departure, just one year after signing him from PSG for approximately £50 million.

Another expensive midfield mistake as Ugarte heads for early exit

Ugarte's imminent departure represents yet another costly recruitment failure for United in the midfield department. The Uruguayan arrived with significant fanfare last summer but has struggled to justify his hefty price tag.

Man United decision for the midfield position for the summer transfer window is going in a direction to sign eventually two midfielders not just one.

Romano confirmed that movements have already started to find a solution for the 23-year-old midfielder.

Pattern of expensive failures continues

This marks the latest in a series of midfield signings that have failed to deliver at Old Trafford. United's recruitment in this position has been particularly poor in recent years:

• Donny van de Beek - £35m from Ajax, barely featured before loan moves
• Fred - £47m from Shakhtar, inconsistent throughout his tenure
• Casemiro - £60m from Real Madrid, rapid decline after strong first season
• Manuel Ugarte - £50m from PSG, leaving after just one season

The combined outlay on these four players alone exceeds £190 million, highlighting the scale of United's wasteful spending in midfield. This pattern of expensive failures has become a recurring theme in the rumour mill surrounding the club's transfer activities.

Why United need two quality signings to compete next season

With European football likely secured for next season, United face a demanding fixture schedule that requires significant squad depth. The midfield has been their most glaring weakness throughout the current campaign.

My information today is that Manchester United are oriented to go for two midfielders – for one reason that Casemiro is leaving … And the other update I can give you today is that according to my information, Manuel Ugarte could also leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

Current midfield options insufficient

Beyond Kobbie Mainoo, who Romano confirms will be staying, United's midfield options look threadbare for a club with European ambitions. The departures of Casemiro and Ugarte would leave a significant void in both defensive coverage and progressive passing.

The Brazilian's physical decline has been particularly stark this season, with his lack of mobility exposing United's defence repeatedly. His departure, while necessary, creates another problem that requires immediate resolution.

European demands require depth

Playing in European competition adds approximately 15-20 matches to a team's schedule. United's current midfield depth simply cannot sustain the demands of competing on multiple fronts.

The club's struggles this season when rotating their midfield have demonstrated the importance of having quality alternatives rather than making do with squad fillers.

The midfield targets that could transform United's fortunes

Several names have emerged as potential targets for United's midfield rebuild. Elliot Anderson appears to be gaining traction as a primary target, with his Premier League experience and age profile fitting United's requirements.

Emerging target list

According to various reports, United's scouting department has identified multiple options:

• Carlos Baleba - Brighton's defensive midfielder showing impressive development
• Adam Wharton - Crystal Palace's composed playmaker
• Sandro Tonali - Newcastle's Italian international returning from suspension
• Mateus Fernandes - Sporting CP's emerging talent
• Joao Gomes - Wolves' combative Brazilian midfielder

Investment must be strategic this time

The key difference this summer must be in United's approach to recruitment. Rather than pursuing established names on declining trajectories or unproven talents at inflated prices, the club needs to identify players entering their prime years with the right physical and technical attributes.

Romano emphasised the certainty of these moves in his update.

So the decision of the club is one guaranteed, but the second is starting to become almost guaranteed as a new signing to do for Manchester United. So one for sure, 100%, but could be two.

What happens next

United's midfield rebuild represents a crucial juncture for the club's immediate future. With two signings virtually guaranteed according to Romano, the quality of these acquisitions will likely determine whether United can mount a serious challenge for Champions League qualification next season.

The departure of Ugarte after just one season should serve as a warning about the need for thorough due diligence. United cannot afford another summer of expensive mistakes in the transfer market, particularly in such a critical area of the pitch. The club's recent struggles with player acquisitions echo similar concerns raised about other expensive signings who have failed to deliver.