Man United's unpopular Manuel Ugarte transfer decision proven right as perfect deal emerges

Just as they have been for the last two weeks, Manchester United find themselves in three contrasting transfer sagas that threaten to make or break their 2024/25 season.

After acting fast to bring Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro to the club early in the transfer window, business has drastically slowed down. Their season officially starts this weekend against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield before the Premier League season kicks-off next Friday.

Erik ten Hag's squad, on paper, is better than it was in May. However, injuries to Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund have left United short so it's no surprise that the list of players being linked with a move to Old Trafford is as long as it is.

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Frustrations are continuing to boil in their pursuit of a new central defender and right-back - Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in particular - but it's their search for the perfect partner to Kobbie Mainoo that is proving to be a massive problem.

Manuel Ugarte was understood to be United's number one target but tension between valuation of the midfielder has led to reports indicating the club have turned their attention elsewhere. The names that have entered the fray have been met with an underwhelming reaction, sparking frustration among supporters over their lack of authority in the Ugarte move.

However, for multiple reasons, Ugarte doesn't tick the boxes that Ten Hag and United need. Opinions are everything in football but the Uruguay international doesn't solve the desperate need for a tackling machine. Yet it's a look at some