Manchester United Target Douglas Luiz as Perfect Partner for Ugarte in Summer Transfer
Manchester United are heading into a crucial summer as the INEOS group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, takes charge of the club’s rebuild. One of the top priorities is fixing a midfield that has lacked stability and control throughout the season. At the heart of this plan are two key transfer targets: Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte. Both players are seen as ideal additions to reshape United’s engine room.
The Red Devils have been monitoring Luiz for some time, impressed by his all-around performances for Villa. Under Unai Emery, the Brazilian midfielder has grown into a dominant figure — capable of disrupting opposition play, setting the pace, and contributing in attack. In the 2024/25 Premier League season, Luiz tallied 7 goals and 6 assists, numbers that reflect his growing influence. His composure and versatility make him a perfect fit for a United side that has struggled to find a consistent midfield pairing.
Alongside Luiz, United are also actively pursuing Ugarte from PSG. The Uruguayan has found game time limited under Luis Enrique, but his reputation remains strong due to his physical style, tackling ability, and relentless pressing. Ugarte’s skillset would complement Luiz’s perfectly, offering a defensive backbone while allowing the Brazilian more creative freedom. Together, they could form a balanced and powerful partnership that brings a much-needed structure to United’s midfield.
With Casemiro’s performances declining and Christian Eriksen expected to leave, these potential additions signal a shift in approach. United are moving away from relying on aging veterans and instead targeting players in their prime who can grow into leaders. Luiz, 26, and Ugarte, 23, would not only boost quality but also align with a long-term vision that prioritizes athleticism, tactical intelligence, and adaptability.
Financially, the deals won’t be easy. Villa are in a strong position with Luiz under contract until 2026, and a fee of £50–60 million may be required. Meanwhile, PSG are reportedly willing to part with Ugarte for around £40 million. If both transfers materialize, United would be looking at a combined outlay exceeding £100 million. However, with the new leadership at the helm and the need for serious investment in midfield, this could be a transformative move.
Beyond the technical and tactical improvements, signing Luiz and Ugarte would also help reshape the overall squad dynamics. Players like Casemiro, Donny van de Beek, and possibly Scott McTominay could be moved on to make room for the new arrivals. It also offers greater options for whichever manager is in charge — be it Erik ten Hag or someone new — with formations like the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 becoming more effective due to the added balance and depth.
Manchester United have lacked a reliable midfield core for too long. Bringing in Douglas Luiz and Manuel Ugarte could finally lay the groundwork for a dominant and cohesive team. It’s a bold step, but one that might just be the foundation for a new era at Old Trafford.
