Manuel Ugarte arrived at Manchester United in 2024 with a reputation as a midfield wrecking ball. The $60 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain was supposed to solve a long-standing hole in the middle of the park — a relentless ball-winner who could break up play and let the creators cook. But a season and a half later, things haven’t clicked.
Now, a familiar face could offer Ugarte an escape hatch. According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Ugarte has been offered to AC Milan. There are no active negotiations yet, but the twist here is that Ruben Amorim — the coach who got the best out of Ugarte at Sporting CP — is set to take over at Milan. The Guardian recently reported that Amorim has agreed to become the Rossoneri’s next head coach.
That connection changes the math significantly.
Why it matters
Amorim and Ugarte worked together during the 2023–24 season at Sporting, where the Uruguayan was a dominant force. Amorim’s system demands energy, discipline, and high-level pressing from the midfield anchor — all traits Ugarte displayed in Lisbon. If Milan is looking for a player who already understands the tactical demands, the logic writes itself.
But there are two major hurdles.
The price tag
United paid a significant fee to land Ugarte, and they’re not eager to take a heavy loss on a player who still has years left on his deal. Sky Sports recently listed him among those likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, but the club will want to recoup a fair chunk of that investment. For Milan, a straight purchase makes sense only at a discount. A loan with an option or obligation to buy feels more realistic.
Milan’s midfield puzzle
Milan already has options in the engine room, but none of them offer exactly what Ugarte brings — relentless aggression and positional discipline. If Amorim wants to reshape the squad quickly, reconnecting with a trusted lieutenant could accelerate the transition. The proposal stage is still early, but this has the feel of a story that could heat up fast once the summer window opens.
Ugarte’s time at United hasn’t been a disaster — he’s started a fair number of games — but it hasn’t met expectations either. Erik ten Hag liked him, but the midfield has remained inconsistent. A fresh start with a coach who believes in him might be exactly what the 24-year-old needs.
For now, the ball sits on Milan’s side of the table. They know the player is available. They know the coach wants him. The next move is theirs.
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