Manchester United Signs Manuel Ugarte in Final Hour of Transfer Window

Manchester United has signed Uruguayan defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for 50 million euros. Ugarte, who is 23 years old, is seen as a long-term replacement for Casemiro and becomes the fifth signing of the window for United. The club spent around $240 million on new players this summer.

In a last-minute deal, Manchester United secured the signing of Uruguay's defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of 50 million euros ($55.7 million). The transfer was announced in the final hour of the summer transfer window.

Ugarte, who has signed a contract until 2029, is the fifth addition to United's squad this summer, following the acquisitions of striker Joshua Zirkzee, center-backs Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, and full-back Noussair Mazraoui. This brings the club's total summer spending to approximately $240 million.

The 23-year-old Ugarte has been a primary target for United throughout the summer and is expected to be a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old Casemiro. United's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, commended Ugarte as one of the best ball-winning midfielders globally. Manager Erik ten Hag added that Ugarte would contribute 'controlled aggression' to the team.

Ugarte is determined to help United achieve success, stating, '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.' The transfer deal also includes potential bonuses of up to 10 million euros ($11 million), subject to performance and success.

Prior to this transfer, Ugarte had spent one year at PSG, moving there from the Portuguese team Sporting. Additionally, United sold Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay to Napoli earlier in the day, a move that freed up space in the squad for Ugarte. United also welcomed Mali youth international Sekou Kone from Guidars FC, who will initially join the academy.

(With inputs from agencies.)