Manchester United are hoping to complete a blockbuster summer transfer for a new midfield star but face competition from Premier League rivals
Michael Carrick has fewer than two months remaining before his first full campaign as Manchester United manager gets underway and the club will undoubtedly support him in the summer transfer market.
Under Carrick’s leadership, United’s squad will undergo significant changes this summer. Casemiro’s exit has already created a void in his former team that requires addressing. Brazilian midfielder Ederson will partially fill this gap, with his arrival scheduled following a medical examination in early July, yet the engine room of the Red Devils requires more than just one new player.
The pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is thought to be heating up. However, another of United’s summer strategies has been derailed. Manuel Ugarte was anticipated to be offloaded, but he sustained a serious knee injury at the World Cup. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Manuel Ugarte compensation
Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury during Uruguay’s 1-0 group stage defeat against Spain when he was carried from the pitch in tears on a stretcher with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
That could potentially keep him out for an estimated 9 to 12 months, throwing United’s plans to offload the £50m flop this summer into disarray.
While the injury hampers United’s transfer ambitions, it activates a significant financial protection mechanism through FIFA’s Club Protection Programme (CPP), reports the Mirror.
This scheme functions as a global insurance arrangement crafted to shield club sides from the financial strain of compensating players who sustain injuries on international duty. FIFA’s coverage only becomes active after a player has been ruled out for more than 28 straight days.
After that 28-day period elapses, FIFA take on the responsibility of covering the player’s fundamental club wages, worked out at a daily rate until they receive medical clearance to resume full training.
The scheme limits coverage to approximately £6.5million per player, per injury, which corresponds to a maximum weekly compensation threshold of £120,000. Since Ugarte’s weekly earnings at Old Trafford are £120,000, FIFA will essentially cover his complete basic wages throughout his rehabilitation.
United stand to collect roughly £6.5m in reimbursement should he remain out of action for the projected timeframe.
Mateus Fernandes latest
United have edged closer to securing the signature of Mateus Fernandes after reportedly opening “formal talks” with West Ham over a deal.
The Portuguese star is said to have the relegated side’s permission to leave but the Hammers want £80m for the 21-year-old, aiming to double the £40m fee they paid Southampton for his services last summer.
United and Tottenham are said to be haggling over a fee for Fernandes, but it’s believed his first choice destination is Old Trafford.
According to Ben Jacobs, reporting for talkSPORT, United have now begun discussions to strike a deal, though they remain in limbo awaiting definitive word from the player.
He said: “Manchester United are still in formal talks with West Ham, and what I sense here is both Man Utd and Spurs are waiting to see if they can get that communication from the player that he only wants to join a particular club – and then you’re in a stronger position to negotiate with West Ham United.”
Meanwhile, a separate report from West Ham-focused Claret & Hugh suggests both clubs have now “agreed personal terms” with the player, with the prospect of a package worth £130,000 to £140,000 per week “turning the player’s head”.
Juan Mata becomes owner
Former United fan favourite Juan Mata is set to take on an ownership stake at Melbourne Victory, the A-League outfit he now plays for.
The club has formally confirmed that the World Cup champion has committed to becoming a stakeholder, with a behind-the-scenes role commencing once his playing days conclude.
Mata, 38, said: “Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in. From the moment I arrived at Melbourne Victory, I’ve felt the passion of this club and the potential of the A-Leagues, and I want to be part of building what comes next – not just for a season, but for the long term.
“I have enjoyed so much this past season on the pitch, and committing to Victory as a shareholder is the natural next step.
“I want to thank everyone associated with the club and across Australian football for the way they’ve welcomed me.”