ERIK TEN HAG SUFFERS MANUEL UGARTE BLOW AFTER MAN UTD MISS OUT ON DEADLINE

Manchester United have not signed Manuel Ugarte in time for the Uruguay international to be available to face Liverpool this weekend.

The Red Devils have agreed a deal worth an initial £42million, and a further £9m available in add-ons, with Paris Saint-Germain. The formal agreement was reached between the clubs on Monday night but there has yet to be confirmation of Ugarte as a Manchester United player with just hours left of the transfer window.

The Uruguay international departs the French capital after just 12 months with PSG, who signed him for £51million from Sporting Lisbon last summer. The 21-year-old proved to be United's primary midfield target and he will be expected to improve Erik ten Hag's starting XI when his arrival is signed off.

Ugarte will be unable to make his debut when Arne Slot's Liverpool side visit Old Trafford on Sunday however. United were unable to register the player in time for the Premier League's 12pm deadline to ensure his availability.

Ugarte is unlikely to be match fit for the occasion anyway having not featured for Luis Enrique this season after playing 37 times as the Parisians earned Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions triumphs last term. Any decision over Ugarte's involvement is now out of United's hands.

Premier League rules state that the deadline to feature in this coming weekend matches was midday on Friday. But United failed to register the signing before 12pm on Friday, meaning he is unable to feature this weekend.

Ugarte's next opportunity to make his debut will come following the international break when United make the trip to Southampton. Their Carabao Cup clash against Barnsley could afford Ugarte his first opportunity to play at Old Trafford following that.

Ten Hag will be pleased to strengthen the centre of the field with Scott McTominay expected to complete a deal with Napoli. Mason Mount has also been ruled out due to injury.

"During the last game I picked up a minor muscle issue,’ Mount wrote on Instagram. "I’ve had it checked and it looks like I’ll be out for a few games.

"Leading up to and during pre-season, I worked hard to get my fitness back to where it needs to be and I felt re-energised, sharp and ready.

“I wanted you to hear it directly from me how frustrated I am, as I expect you are too. I will do everything possible to be back in the best shape and help the team."

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2024-08-30T13:10:59Z dg43tfdfdgfd