Journalist David Ornstein has revealed Manchester United’s plans for the summer transfer window after the club confirmed a serious injury to midfielder Manuel Ugarte at the FIFA World Cup.
Ugarte suffered the injury in the final moments of the first half of Uruguay’s 1-0 loss against Spain, a result that confirmed their shock exit from the tournament. He appeared to have landed awkwardly while challenging La Roja midfielder Pedri and was clearly upset while being stretchered off the pitch.
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The injury was confirmed to be a knee ligament tear. Tests are still ongoing to determine the extent of the injury; therefore, the timeline of Ugarte’s return is still uncertain (via The Athletic).
Despite arriving as a highly-rated talent from PSG for a reported €50 million plus €10 million in add-ons, the 25-year-old is not a nailed-on starter for Manchester United. He made just 24 appearances for the Red Devils in the 2025-26 season, with just 10 of them being starts.
After Casemiro’s departure and Ugarte’s injury, United’s midfield stocks require replenishing. In a recent update, Ornstein has claimed that the club plans to do just that in the summer transfer window, with ‘several incomings’ on the horizon (via @mufcMPB on X).
They have been linked with a host of world-class midfield stars plying their trade at top clubs across Europe. Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha, Barcelona’s Marc Casado, West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi are among the names linked with moves to Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United join several EPL sides in race to sign 2026 FIFA World Cup star – Reports
According to reports from German outlet Fussball Daten (via The Hard Tackle), Manchester United have joined the race to sign breakout 2026 FIFA World Cup star Brian Brobbey.
Brobbey joined newly-promoted Premier League side Sunderland for a reported fee of €20 million plus €5 million in add-ons in the summer of 2025. In his debut season, he bagged seven goals and an assist in 31 league games, helping his side finish seventh and secure a historic Europa League qualification.
At the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Brobbey has emerged as a star with three goals in three group stage games. His impressive performances have caught the eye of several top sides in England, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester United.
United have rekindled the interest in Brobbey that they first had during Erik ten Hag’s tenure at the club. His impressive strength, physical presence, explosive pace and lethal finishing are seen as skills that will add another dimension to their attack.
Despite the interest, Sunderland are reportedly unwilling to part ways with the Dutch forward this summer. With his current contract lasting until 2029, it will be difficult for potential suitors to pry him away from the Stadium of Light.
Up next, Brobbey will be seen in action against Morocco in the Netherlands’ Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Monday, June 29).
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj