Manchester United eye a powerhouse addition! 🚨 In an exciting turn of events, Man Utd are lining up a move for a “monster” alternative to Ugarte. The Red Devils are setting their sights on this midfield dynamo, known for his tenacity and commanding presence on the pitch. Fans are buzzing with anticipation, as this potential signing could bring the grit and determination needed to dominate the Premier League. Stay tuned for more updates as the transfer window heats up 🔥
After a challenging season that ended on a high note with an FA Cup victory and a spot in the Europa League, Manchester United are now focused on strengthening their squad for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
One of the standout performers for Erik ten Hag’s team was 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who made 33 senior appearances, netting five goals and contributing three assists in the 2023/24 season. Mainoo’s impressive performances also earned him a starting spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad at EURO 2024, where he has shone on the international stage.
Manchester United’s next objective is to find a suitable partner for Mainoo to help him reach his full potential. Among the potential candidates is PSG’s Manuel Ugarte.
However, according to le10sport, PSG is reluctant to sell Ugarte this summer, prompting Manchester United to consider Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco as an alternative. Fofana is seen as a more financially viable option, valued at €30m (£25m) according to Transfermarkt, and offers a similar profile to Ugarte.
Acquiring Fofana at a lower cost than Ugarte would be financially prudent for Manchester United while addressing a key position with the right player profile.
When comparing Fofana and Ugarte’s statistics in Ligue 1, Fofana made 35 appearances for Monaco last season, scoring four goals and providing four assists. Ugarte, on the other hand, played 37 times for PSG, contributing three assists but no goals. Fofana logged over 500 more minutes of play despite having two fewer appearances than Ugarte.
Both players excel in defensive roles rather than their goal or assist contributions. Ugarte is known for his defensive prowess, making 4.11 tackles per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 1% of European midfielders. In contrast, Fofana makes 2.04 tackles per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 48%.
Analyst Ben Mattinson describes Fofana as a “monster” in the defensive midfield role. The 6-foot-1 Frenchman is versatile, with 1.23 interceptions, 1.17 blocks, 1.03 clearances, and 0.57 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, showcasing his defensive impact. Additionally, Fofana excels in progressive passing, averaging 8.31 progressive passes per 90 minutes, ranking in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe. In comparison, Ugarte averages 3.91 progressive passes.
Overall, Fofana appears to be a strong candidate for Manchester United, offering a well-rounded defensive and playmaking skill set at a more affordable price than Ugarte.
