Manchester United are reportedly close to finalising the signing of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, as the club seeks to enhance their central midfield options. Ugarte, a 23-year-old Uruguayan, is known for his defensive skills and ability to control the tempo of matches.
Last season, he made 37 appearances for PSG, following his move from Sporting Lisbon, impressing in both domestic and European competitions. His addition to United’s squad would address a need for greater depth and quality in midfield, an area where the team has struggled for consistency in recent years.
However, former United midfielder Paul Scholes has expressed concerns over this potential signing. Scholes, a key figure in United’s midfield during his playing days, believes that the club should be targeting a different type of midfielder. He argues that United are missing a player who can dictate the pace of the game and control the flow from the centre of the pitch. Scholes points out that this kind of player has been absent from the squad since his own retirement.
Scholes specifically mentioned Ilkay Gundogan, the former Manchester City midfielder, as the ideal candidate for United’s midfield. Gundogan recently returned to Manchester City after a spell at Barcelona, and Scholes sees his experience and playmaking abilities as exactly what United need. Known for his vision, passing, and leadership, Gundogan could have brought stability and creativity to United’s midfield. Scholes suggests that a player like Gundogan would be able to manage the game’s tempo, control possession, and elevate the performance of his teammates.
In addition to Gundogan, Scholes also highlighted Martin Zubimendi, a midfielder from Real Sociedad, as another potential target for United. Zubimendi, a Spanish international, has been linked with several top European clubs, including Liverpool.
Despite an approach from Liverpool earlier in the summer, Zubimendi chose to remain with Sociedad. Scholes believes that Zubimendi’s composure, tactical awareness, and defensive skills would make him a strong addition to United’s midfield, providing both defensive cover and ball control.
Speaking on *The Overlap*, a football discussion platform, Scholes emphasised the importance of signing a midfielder who can control games from deep, helping United dominate possession and dictate the pace.
As the summer transfer window approaches its end, the debate over United’s midfield options continues, with fans eagerly awaiting the club’s next move. Whether Ugarte will be the solution or if United will pursue another midfielder remains to be seen.
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