Manchester United are prepared to sanction Manuel Ugarte’s exit in January as they look to free up funds to bolster the midfield in the New Year.

Ugarte joined United from PSG for around £50m last summer as part of a midfield revamp as the club backed Erik ten Hag in the market.

However, the Dutchman was relieved of his duties last October and was replaced with Ruben Amorim, who worked with the Uruguayan ball winner during their respective time together with Sporting.

Ugarte was tipped to establish himself as a key man under Amorim but he has since made just two league starts this season.

Ugarte wanted by Galatasaray having dropped down pecking order

Amorim favours a midfield partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro and with no European action this season, the United boss sees no reason to rotate in the middle of the park.

And according to Turkish Super Lig reporter Erol Evcen, Ugarte could be heading to Galatasaray next month.

Posting on X, Evcen wrote: “Galatasaray is closely monitoring the situation of Manuel Ugarte, who is reportedly set to part ways with Manchester United at the halfway point. Galatasaray will knock on Manchester United’s door for Manuel Ugarte during the mid-season transfer window.”

Ugarte isn’t the only United midfielder that may leave Old Trafford in January, with Kobbie Mainoo also linked with a move away from the club in 2026.

Mainoo had hoped to secure a summer exit but his request to depart was rebuffed by United as they were unable to bring in a replacement for the England international.

United hoping to raise funds for midfield refresh

United are hoping to raise funds as they gear up to strengthen in the middle of the park, either in the New Year or in the summer.

Amorim had hoped to bring in at least one central midfielder earlier in the year, however a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba failed to materialise.

Baleba is again being linked with a move to Old Trafford, as is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s England international Elliot Anderson.

United returned to winning ways in style on Monday night as goals from Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount saw the Manchester side bounce back from their recent 1-1 draw with West Ham with a resounding 4-1 win at table footers Wolves.

The result moved United up to sixth ahead of their welcome of Bournemouth next Monday.