United's midfield issues

[Getty Images] Since Manuel Ugarte's £50.8m arrival from Paris St-Germain in 2024 he has not reached the heights anticipated during his time at Old Trafford and his last appearance was when he started the home Premier League defeat by Leeds on 13 April. It was widely anticipated he would move on this summer, either permanently or on loan. Now those plans are in doubt after his injury at the World Cup , with thoughts at Manchester United focused on the wellbeing of the player. United have prioritised strengthening their midfield this summer, with the expectation at least two or three new players would be added. The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta's Ederson. However, plans for the 26-year-old to have his medical before the start of pre-season training on 9 July had to be scrapped when Ederson earned a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad. Now the intention is for Ederson's medical to take place once Brazil's campaign is over and then the player to return to Carrington after the mandatory three-week rest period. United had been keen on Elliot Anderson but backed out of discussions when the cost, both transfer fee and wages, they would have to pay to get him out of Nottingham Forest became clear. Talks with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes have yet to lead to an agreement over a fee, with Tottenham also keen on the former Southampton man. United also rate Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who was one of four players who travelled with England for their pre-World Cup training camp despite missing out on selection in Thomas Tuchel's squad, and they had a bid turned down last summer by Brighton for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba. It remains to be seen if a lengthy injury to Ugarte would affect the amount of money United have available to buy players.