Manchester United have announced the arrival of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, subject to registration.
The 23-year-old Uruguayan midfielder has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option to extend for a further 12 months.
What did he have to say?
"The project that the football leadership discussed with me is extremely exciting; Manchester United is an ambitious club and I am an ambitious player," Ugarte told the official club website.
“The passion of supporters is something that is very important to me; I know how incredible United fans are and I cannot wait to experience Old Trafford. I’m someone who is so determined to succeed; I will sacrifice and give everything for my team-mates. Together we will fight to win trophies and reach the level where this club needs to be.”
Who is Manuel Ugarte?
Ugarte was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 11 April 2001.
The midfielder started his career with his local side Fenix and was promoted to their senior team. Aged only 15, he became the youngest player ever in the 21st century to play a professional match in Uruguay.
At 18, he went on to become club captain before moving to Famalicao in December 2020, where he would remain until August 2021, when he joined Sporting Lisbon.
Initially signed as back-up for Joao Palhinha, Ugarte thrived under the management of Ruben Amorim in the Portuguese capital, winning the league cup and featuring in the UEFA Champions League.
His performances caught the eye of PSG, who he signed for in June 2023. He started strongly for the French champions, but after manager Luis Enrique decided a change of style was needed, Ugarte lost his starting place.
PSG would go on to win the domestic treble, including Ligue 1, with Ugarte starting sporadically or appearing as a substitute.
At the Copa America 2024, in the United States, he started all of Uruguay’s matches, helping them to a third-place finish.
What type of player is he?
A combative defensive midfielder, Ugarte has built a solid reputation for his ability to win back possession with well-timed tackles and clever positioning.
Man Utd's transfer activity
Ugarte becomes Man Utd's fifth summer signing, having also acquired Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, as well as defenders Leny Yoro from Lille and Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. Scott McTominay has joined Napoli on a permanent deal.
See: Summer 2024 transfers & news
When could he make his debut?
United are next in action on Sunday when they take on Liverpool at Old Trafford, before they visit Southampton on 14 September.
