Ruthless reset: Man United could brutally offload £42m star despite Casemiro exit

Manchester United are bracing themselves for a sweeping midfield rebuild as the club plots a decisive reset next summer.

It has already been confirmed that Casemiro will leave the club after his contract expires in June 2026.

The Athletic have now reported that Casemiro may not be the only high-profile midfielder heading for the exit.

Manuel Ugarte’s long-term future is also in major doubt after failing to impress at Old Trafford.

Ugarte moved to the Theatre of Dreams from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for a fee of around £42 million.

Ugarte could be sold next summer

Many viewed the Uruguayan as a natural successor to Casemiro in the number-six role, but persistent shortcomings have prevented him from cementing a place in the starting XI.

After a dismal first half of this campaign, Ugarte enjoyed a short but productive spell under former head coach Ruben Amorim.

Injuries to Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount opened the door, allowing Ugarte to establish himself as a regular starter.

The 24-year-old looked at his best when Casemiro operated behind him, offering defensive cover and positional security.

Ugarte thrives when asked to press aggressively and disrupt play, but his limitations in ball progression and decision-making have restricted his overall influence.

Those weaknesses have ultimately stopped him from displacing Casemiro as United’s first-choice holding midfielder.

Ajax explored the possibility of a loan move during the January transfer window.

However, United are reluctant to sanction a mid-season departure due to their already thin squad depth.

Most concerning for Ugarte is his continued lack of opportunities despite Michael Carrick having switched to a 4-2-3-1 system.

Carrick has instead placed his trust in Casemiro and Mainoo as the double pivot, with Fernandes restored to his favoured number ten role.

With his pathway increasingly blocked, a summer exit now appears a realistic outcome.

United have already identified Elliott Anderson as their top midfield target for the upcoming window.

Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have also been heavily linked, underlining the scale of the midfield overhaul being planned at Old Trafford.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .