Manchester United’s search for Kobbie Mainoo’s midfield partner continues as Manuel Ugarte and Joao Gomes have emerged as potential targets. With Ineos likely having to move away from top target Joao Neves, cheaper options are being considered.

While Adrien Rabiot remains a potential candidate on a free transfer, Manuel Ugarte and Joao Gomes are younger options for a long-term pairing with wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.

Manuel Ugarte and Joao Gomes are both with their nations at Copa America. Both players started their side’s opening matches, with the former playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 win over Panama.

Just one year ago, Manuel Ugarte moved from Sporting to PSG in a €60.00m transfer. The Uruguayan midfielder played thirty-seven times for PSG, managing just three assists in all competitions. Now, after failing to secure a consistent spot in the starting eleven in Paris, Ugarte could be on the move again.

Joao Gomes was impressive at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 2023-2024 season. He joined Wolves in the 2022-2023 winter window from Flamengo and took the league by storm in his first full season. His outstanding performances earned him a call-up to Brazil in March, where he has become a fixture in the midfield.

Both Joao Gomes and Manuel Ugarte are 23 and could provide a similar youthful injection that Kobbie Mainoo has added to United’s first team. Casemiro is aging and likely to leave, while Sofyan Amrabat will return to Fiorentina after his loan spell. Ineos will hope that whoever is brought in will allow Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes the freedom to create and run the attacking phase of play.

Would you prefer Ugarte or Gomes for Manchester United?