Gus Poyet tells Manuel Ugarte why he should leave Man United

Gus Poyet has urged compatriot Manuel Ugarte to seek a fresh start away from Manchester United this summer, insisting the 24-year-old must find “the right club” to reignite a career that has stalled at Old Trafford.

Ugarte, signed from Paris Saint-Germain for £43 million last August, has started only seven of United’s 31 Premier League fixtures and has seen his minutes shrink further since Michael Carrick’s recent return as interim head coach. With three years remaining on his deal, United are open to offers, and Poyet believes a move is now essential.

“He needs to find the right club,” the former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder told GOAL. “I think he’s a top player. I think he’s a top central midfielder.”

Poyet, 58, highlighted the qualities that persuaded INEOS to invest so heavily: “He can cover the pitch well. He can cover spaces. He can defend well. He can play, start the options. But he needs to find the team.”

The Uruguayan coach revealed he had tried to steer Ugarte to Stamford Bridge before the midfielder opted for PSG in 2023. “When they started the rumours, Chelsea, big Chelsea, you know you want to come, make a decision, come to Chelsea. I don’t know him, so I couldn’t call him! And he went to Paris Saint-Germain and I was a little bit upset because I thought it was perfect at that time for Chelsea.”

Poyet’s biggest concern is not Ugarte’s talent but his environment. Regular football, he argued, is non-negotiable if the 24-year-old is to reclaim his place in Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad. “He even lost his main position at the national team,” Poyet noted. “It’s a big summer for Ugarte and I hope he makes a good decision for him and for his family.”