3 weeks ago
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Manchester United’s new signing Manuel Ugarte will not be in the squad for the huge derby clash against Liverpool.
The Uruguayan midfielder is finalising a move worth up to £51million to the Premier League from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day.
But Ugarte won’t be able to make his debut at Old Trafford on Sunday because the Red Devils have missed the cut-off to register him for their squad in time.
Paperwork for new players must be completed by noon on the Friday before a game in order for them to be eligible.
Ugarte agreed personal terms back in July but the deal dragged on until the end of the summer window.
It’s understood United were in no rush to register Ugarte because they feel he was unlikely to start the match or play any significant role due to his lack of game time during pre-season.
Erik ten Hag said of Ugarte’s arrival in his press conference today: ‘We had three number 10s, we didn’t have any more holding midfielders, we had one. So that is the idea behind [signing him].’
The 23-year-old fell out of favour at the Ligue 1 giants despite a promising start to life in France.
First-team opportunities dwindled in the second half of the 2023-24 season and the arrival of Joao Neves from Benfica pushed Ugarte further down the pecking order.
Luis Enrique also left him out of his squad for the opening game of the season against Le Harve.
Ten Hag has been looking to strengthen in central midfield and Ugarte is viewed as the long-term successor to Casemiro, who started the first two games alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
Scott McTominay is set to join Napoli while Christian Eriksen could also leave at the final hour.
United take on Liverpool at 4pm on Sunday 1 September.
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