Serie A Side Monitoring Manuel Ugarte As Manchester United Star Looks For January Exit

Lazio are reportedly considering a January move for Manchester United star, Manuel Ugarte, as the Uruguayan has failed to impress during his time in England.

Will Manuel Ugarte Leave Manchester United?

Manuel Ugarte was tipped to become one of Manchester United’s most important signings in recent years after signing for the club in the 2024 summer transfer window.

This was amplified after Ruben Amorim took the reins in Manchester, with the two having previous success with Sporting Lisbon – winning a league title together in 2022.

However, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League and has dropped down the pecking order.

Amorim has utilized Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the heart of midfield, meaning Ugarte has joined the likes of Kobbie Mainoo on the bench.

Similarly to Ugarte, Mainoo has been linked with a move to Serie A, as the English international is yet to start in the Premier League this season.

Earning a place in the starting eleven has not been easy for Ugarte either, with the 24-year-old starting just twice in the league – both coming in defeats (Manchester City and Brentford).

Ugarte’s overall performances have not warranted a start for the Red Devils and fans are beginning to push for a move away from the club.

The January transfer window is swiftly approaching and the Uruguay international may be looking for a temporary move away for the remainder of the season.

Leaving the Red Devils on a permanent basis seems unlikely, as the 24-year-old still is under contract until July 2029 and United are not blessed with options in the midfield area.

As rumors over a January departure continue to grow, Ugarte has attracted interest from several clubs around Europe – including Serie A giants, Lazio.

Could Lazio Sign Manuel Ugarte?

Lazio were unable to make any major acquisitions during the summer transfer window after picking up a transfer embargo for failing to meet financial parameters.

The Laziali were banned from adding any fresh faces to their squad until January 2026, meaning the opening month of next year could be a busy period for Maurizio Sarri.

Bringing in any players will rely on the departures of multiple players, as Christos Mandas could help the club through a January exit.

According to reports, the Serie A side are looking into the possibility of signing Ugarte as Sarri is keen on adding more energy to his team after a poor start to the season.

Lazio currently sit 13th in Serie A after six matches, winning just two league matches and picking up 13 points so far.

Most recently, the Rome-based side played out a six-goal stalemate against Torino, in a match that saw Lazio drop a 2-1 lead before scoring in the 93rd minute to salvage a point.

Sarri currently has a player that offers a similar package to Ugarte in Matteo Guendouzi, however the Frenchman has faced some criticism over a lack of discipline.

Guendouzi was sent off after Lazio’s derby day defeat to Roma for overstepping in his frustrations and has missed the clubs’ last two league matches.

Currently, there has been no direct contact between Ugarte and Lazio, however, the Uruguayan’s situation in Manchester will become more concrete before the end of the year.