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News
- 7 hours ago
Unhappy Man Utd star still wants transfer DESPITE Amorim sacking
Lars Leeftink
- Updated: 8 Jan 2026 06:32 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is interested in a move to Ajax, according to Dutch media.
The Amsterdam giants are focusing on acquiring an experienced holding midfielder who can improve their organisation in their own half and assist with build-up play this month.
Current ETV
Manuel Ugarte
DM, M (C)
Man Utd
Manuel Ugarte
DM, M (C)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€46.6M - €57M
According to Voetbal International, sporting director Marijn Beuker currently has two favourites: Manuel Ugarte of Man Utd and Daley Blind of Girona FC.
According to the Dutch outlet, Ugarte is interested in a move to Ajax, but the main challenge lies in negotiating with Man Utd. Ugarte's contract runs until the summer of 2029, and he frequently rotates between the bench and the starting lineup.
Furthermore, Ugarte's salary is a major issue for the Amsterdam club, as they've had to reduce their salary cap in recent years. Man Utd paid PSG €50 million in the summer of 2024, but his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end.
Ugarte wants Ajax
Ugarte's apparent openness to a transfer to Ajax also stems from the 2026 World Cup. He wants to make Uruguay's squad for the tournament, but he needs playing time to do so.
Getting regular minutes proved difficult at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim, but despite the Portuguese's sacking on Monday, Ugarte remains keen to leave.
Ajax need a specialist in the No.6 position. That specialist could be Ugarte if the Amsterdam giants can reach an agreement with both him and Man Utd.
For now, the Red Devils appear reluctant to sanction any major exits this month. They would have to secure a replacement for Ugarte, but most of their top targets are unavailable mid-season.
Blind also on Ajax's list
If signing Ugarte proves impossible, Ajax could move on to Daley Blind. He was already on the shortlist last summer and is eager to return to Amsterdam for a third spell.
The 35-year-old's contract with Girona is expiring, so he can be signed for free next summer. If it is to happen in the winter, negotiations will have to be held over a fee, or Girona must agree to let Blind go on a free.
Current ETV
Daley Blind
D (CL)
Girona
Daley Blind
D (CL)
Girona
ETV Range
€0.7M - €1.1M
The latter doesn't seem likely, as Girona are battling relegation in Spain, and Blind is a regular starter at centre-back. However, a fee under €500,000 might be sufficient this winter, given his contract is expiring and the fact that Blind could have been picked up from Girona for that amount last summer.
At the time, Ajax decided against it. They now see Blind as an experienced option for the six, who, in Fred Grim's system, primarily plays as an additional central defender and can be deployed between the central defenders in build-up play.
This is a role Blind would fit perfectly. Blind can also play at left back and in central defence, meaning Ajax would add another versatile and experienced defender to the squad for the second half of the season, following Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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