Following the appointment of Rúben Amorim as the new AC Milan manager, many are pointing to a player who is likely to be his first acquisition in Italy
Rúben Amorim has now been given a new challenge in Europe. The Portuguese coach, who became league champion and a legend at Sporting de Portugal, has been chosen to lead Milan’s new project after a very tough period at Manchester United. According to the latest rumours from Italy, the Portuguese could arrive with a signing already in his luggage.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was central for a while as the owners’ representative at the club, is said to have been sidelined and has not been involved in the process of hiring the former Sporting and Manchester United manager. – An employment that will soon become official, an employment that the Swedish superstar is probably opposed to.
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Everything is in place for a quick transition
The arrival at San Siro could have immediate ripple effects in the transfer market, and the name that recurs is Manuel Ugarte. The 25-year-old Uruguayan midfielder has failed to establish himself at Old Trafford, and in Italy he is already being linked with the Rossoneri. After a colourless spell at Manchester United, the Uruguayan could try his luck in Serie A.
Ruben Amorim wants to build AC Milan from midfield – Manuel Ugarte is the first wish
Milan needed a clear hand on the coaching bench, and the choice of Amorim reflects a clear idea: to regain intensity, aggressiveness and a recognisable identity after a season below expectations.
The Portuguese coach comes with a clear mission – to lead the team back into the fight for the major titles. His profile is a perfect fit for a club that wants to rejuvenate the project without sacrificing immediate competitiveness.
In this picture, Ugarte appears – a player Amorim knows very well. The two were together at Sporting de Portugal, where the Uruguayan really broke through before moving on to PSG.
The Uruguayan offers something Milan lacks: pressure after losing the ball, physical presence and the ability to keep up a high tempo in games. He is not a pure playmaker, but a midfielder made to fight – a monument in the engine room.
Manchester United paid around €50 million for Ugarte in 2024. Two years later, his internal value has probably decreased, and a transfer could be completed for about 35 million euros.
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The contract situation gives United bargaining power
The Uruguayan’s contract with the Red Devils runs until 2029, with an option for one more year. This gives United the opportunity to negotiate from a strong position, even if their performances in the Premier League have not recouped their initial investment.
Ugarte has been given game time, but has not been able to become a decisive player for the team. His attacking contributions have been limited, with few goals and assists – which is natural to his style of play, but still insufficient to change the overall impression.
Milan could benefit from his price drop. In a market where physical midfielders are highly valued, the signing of a €35 million Uruguayan international could be a very interesting deal – especially if Amorim manages to revive his career.
A trustee for Amorim
For Amorim, Ugarte will be a trustee – a player who understands his tactics, who has already worked under his leadership, and who does not need a long period of adjustment.
For Milan, it will mean reinforcing a crucial part of the team. The team needs more weight in midfield, especially if they are to compete with Inter, Juventus and Napoli in an increasingly tough Serie A.
For Manchester United, a sale will free up wage costs and give them the opportunity to recoup parts of the investment that have not yielded the expected return. The English club still needs to streamline a squad that was built under too much time pressure.
The biggest obstacle will be the price. Milan does not want to make mistakes in this new phase and will consider every single euro carefully. But if Amorim insists, Ugarte could be the first significant piece in his new San Siro project.
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