Manchester United have reportedly rebuffed an inquiry from Ajax for midfielder Manuel Ugarte. While the Uruguayan international was previously linked with a move away from Old Trafford, the arrival of interim manager Michael Carrick has transformed the player’s status within the squad, making a January departure highly unlikely.
The “Carrick Effect” on Manuel Ugarte
Before Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, Ugarte’s future at United seemed uncertain after a period of intense criticism. However, according to The Athletic, Carrick views the number 25 as a vital component of his midfield setup. The interim boss, who recently led United to a stunning 2-0 Manchester Derby win, believes Ugarte’s defensive profile is essential for the club’s tactical stability.
While Ajax were keen on a loan deal to bolster their midfield, they are now expected to pivot to other targets. Interestingly, the Dutch giants are already close to finalizing a move for Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, signaling their aggressive approach in this winter window.
Carrick’s Growing Influence on Transfers
Despite his interim status, Michael Carrick has earned the full backing of the Manchester United board. Fabrizio Romano reports that a pivotal meeting has been scheduled between the manager and the recruitment department to align on January targets.
Carrick’s deep understanding of the club’s culture and the current squad dynamics has made him a fundamental voice in deciding which players stay and who arrives. The board’s shift in stance regarding Ugarte is a clear indication that Carrick is not just a “caretaker,” but a key decision-maker for the remainder of the season.
Arsenal Clash on the Horizon
Fresh off their derby victory, Manchester United currently sit 5th in the Premier League with 35 points. Their resurgence will face its ultimate test this Sunday (Jan 25) against Arsenal.
Carrick’s side may have to navigate the Emirates clash without key duo Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, making Ugarte’s presence in the starting XI even more probable as United looks to climb back into the top four.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
