Man Utd ‘submit opening bid’ for perfect Kobbie Mainoo partner as INEOS given hope of deal

INEOS are moving quickly for multiple targets as Man Utd look to hand Kobbie Mainoo to new partner next season.

Posted Wednesday, June 26, 2024 by Express.co.uk

Manchester United have submitted an opening bid for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to reports. The Red Devils are eyeing a new partner for Kobbie Mainoo as a priority in the summer transfer window, alongside a new centre-back and striker, with Casemiro set to depart.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee have been mooted as INEOS' top targets for the latter two positions.

Man Utd are eyeing a new Kobbie Mainoo partner.

And Ugarte appears to be high on the shortlist of the club's new football decision-makers, helmed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, after being the subject of an approach.

According to L'Equipe, Ugarte is pondering his future at PSG just one year after joining from Sporting Lisbon in a £51million deal.

The 23-year-old midfielder's maiden season didn't meet his expectations, featuring in just 25 of PSG's 38 Ligue 1 matches. He made 37 appearances in all competitions.

The report adds that Ugarte has drawn interest from England, Italy and Germany as he potentially seeks an escape route from the Parc des Princes.

And it's claimed that United have already tabled a bid for his signature, swiftly rejected by the French champions, who deemed it lower than their valuation.

PSG are under no pressure to sell Ugarte, having tied him down to a long-term contract until 2028, when he completed his switch last summer.

Manuel Ugarte is unsettled at PSG.

It remains to be seen whether United will produce a follow-up offer, given the club's financial restraints tied to Financial Fair Play and the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The Old Trafford giants' budget could loosen slightly once the current PSR window passes on July 1. However, they will rely on player sales to sufficiently back Erik ten Hag this summer.

United have already signalled to Everton that they are unwilling to match their £75m asking price for Branthwaite and will walk away if there is no hope of a compromise.

Ratcliffe is unlikely to sanction a deal of that value in his first transfer window at the helm, which could easily see PSG price Ugarte out of a move, too.

United's summer won't be smooth-running, with technical director Jason Wilcox the only INEOS appointment currently working at Carrington.

They have been forced to wait until July 13 to welcome new chief executive Omar Berrada from Manchester City.

Meanwhile, chosen sporting director Dan Ashworth's arrival may be delayed until 2025 as Newcastle United dig their heels in over their compensation demands.

United are showing activity, though, and are clearly planning to replace Casemiro as soon as he seals his expected exit.