Ruben Amorim’s Milan Move Could Reunite Him With Another Man United Disappointment

Just days after it emerged that Ruben Amorim is finalizing a deal to become AC Milan’s next manager, the Portuguese coach is reportedly being offered a familiar face from his Old Trafford disaster — midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

According to an Italian journalist, Milan have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Ugarte this summer. No talks are active yet, but the proposal is on the table. And given Amorim’s history with the Uruguayan, it raises an immediate question: would he actually want him?

Familiarity Doesn’t Always Breed Success

Ugarte and Amorim go way back. The midfielder played under Amorim at Sporting CP, then followed him to Manchester United in a high-profile transfer. Across both clubs, Ugarte logged 133 appearances under the Portuguese boss, contributing 12 goals and winning the Portuguese League Cup in 2021/22.

But here’s the catch: Amorim didn’t actually sign Ugarte for United. That deal was orchestrated by the club’s recruitment team while the manager was still finding his footing. And despite their history, Ugarte never became a regular starter under Amorim at Old Trafford — especially during the rocky early months of last season before Amorim was sacked in January.

So while the pair know each other well, that knowledge cuts both ways. Amorim has seen Ugarte at his best in Lisbon — but also saw him struggle to impose himself in the Premier League.

United’s Midfield Reset Could Leave Ugarte Out

Manchester United are planning a major midfield overhaul this summer, with two new signings expected. That makes Ugarte one of the most obvious candidates to move on. His performances since arriving in England have been inconsistent, and the club’s hierarchy appears ready to cut losses.

If Amorim wants to turn Milan into a title contender — and shake off the stench of his United tenure — signing a player who underperformed for him at Old Trafford might not be the smartest play. The San Siro crowd won’t have much patience for a midfielder who couldn’t lock down a spot in a struggling United side.

Zirkzee Also in the Mix — But Same Questions Apply

Another Red Devil, Joshua Zirkzee, has also been linked with a move to Milan. The Dutch forward had a solid spell at Bologna before joining United, but his time in Manchester has been underwhelming. He looks surplus to requirements this summer, and a return to Serie A feels like the most logical outcome.

But again — if Amorim is serious about rebuilding his reputation in Italy, bringing along players who failed to make an impact under him at United might be a risky bet. Milan fans will expect ambition, not charity cases from Amorim’s past.

For now, the Ugarte-to-Milan story remains in the rumor stage. But with Amorim’s appointment expected to be finalized soon, the connections between United and the San Siro are only going to intensify.