INEOS have already signed a “beast” who could end Ugarte’s Man Utd career

Manchester United have a huge couple of weeks ahead of them if they are to mount a serious challenge for a place in the Premier League’s top four this campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side appear to have turned a corner over the last couple of weeks, as seen by their recent four-game unbeaten run that has placed them within touching distance of the top four.

However, the January transfer window could be coming at a perfect time, handing INEOS the perfect chance to bolster the squad and improve their chances of European football.

After spending £200m on new additions during the summer transfer window, it remains to be seen how much the hierarchy will invest in the upcoming winter window.

Numerous players already on the books may have to be sacrificed as a result, which could see one player moved on after just 18 months at Old Trafford.

Why Ugarte could be sold by INEOS in January

Back in the summer of 2024, United forked out a reported £50m for the signature of midfielder Manuel Ugarte from PSG – d deal that injected optimism into the fanbase.

However, 18 months on, it’s clear the deal has been a disaster, with the Uruguayan international rapidly dropping down Amorim’s pecking order in the current campaign.

He’s only started three league matches out of a possible 17, with the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

Ugarte was handed a start against Aston Villa after the Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, but it was an afternoon to forget for the 24-year-old.

He featured for 73 minutes in the West Midlands before being withdrawn, with his underlying figures from the defeat showcasing his lack of quality and impact.

The midfielder lost 50% of the duels he entered, whilst only winning 40% of the tackles he entered- showcasing his lack of quality without the ball, something which is meant to be his biggest asset.

United have now lost all seven of the games he’s started this season, which could see him drop down the selection order further, with the big-money addition struggling to match expectations.

The star who could end Ugarte’s Man Utd career

In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, United could turn to the transfer market to try and improve the options at Amorim’s disposal for the immediate and long-term future.

Elliot Anderson is one player who has been firmly on their radar over the last couple of months, with the Nottingham Forest star potentially costing a fee in the region of £100m.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton another option being considered by the hierarchy ahead of the winter window.

However, both deals would cost a small fortune in the January transfer window, which could prevent the hierarchy from landing one of their dream targets in the coming months.

As a result, youth talents could well be considered to make the jump up into the senior ranks, which could allow midfielder Sekou Kone to gain his first taste of senior football in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old, who joined from Guidars FC in the summer of 2024, has been a part of the youth ranks every since his transfer, racking up a total of 20 appearances across various levels.

During such time, he’s already racked up two goals and two assists despite his deep-lying role, with more of a defensive responsibility being placed upon his shoulders.

The Malian youngster has yet to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils, but he could end Ugarte’s career at the club if he’s given the chance to succeed in Manchester.

Kone, who’s been dubbed a “beast” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has produced some impressive numbers at youth levels, many of which could make him a superb long-term option for the Red Devils.

He’s also previously featured at the U17 World Cup for his nation, subsequently completing an average of 1.6 key passes and 2.5 dribbles completed per 90.

The youngster’s talents are further reflected in his tally of 6.4 tackles and interceptions and 2.5 aerials won per 90 – arguably making him the perfect box-to-box option at Old Trafford.

At the tender age of just 19, he has bags of time to improve further during the years ahead, potentially being the future of United under Amorim for many years to come.

As for Ugarte, he could find minutes extremely hard to come by in the near future, which could see the hierarchy cash in on his services to prevent losing a whole host on their investment.