"Very limited and not a top level star" - Report delves into PSG's damning assessment of Manchester United target

Manchester United are pursuing PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, and TEAMtalk suggests the Ligue 1 giants are happy to part ways for several reasons. The English outlet has obtained information that explains why the Parisians are open to the Uruguayan's sale.

It's claimed that PSG feels Ugarte is 'very limited' and not a 'top-level star.' The 23-year-old defensive midfielder arrived at the Parc des Princes from Sporting CP last summer for €60 million.

Ugarte started promisingly under Luis Enrique but struggled to impress overall during his debut season. He made 37 appearances across competitions and contributed three assists.

PSG are pushing forward with their pursuit of Benfica's Joao Neves, 19, and will use Ugarte's departure to facilitate that move. Some question why Manchester United aren't attempting to sign the Portuguese wonderkid but is a different profile to their top midfield target.

Those at the Parc des Princes have been surprised by Ugarte's standard since he joined from Sporting. He was highly admired at the Jose Avalade Stadium, making 85 appearances before his exit, but the Ligue 1 giants feel he isn't the caliber of player they expected.

Manchester United reportedly agreed to terms with Ugarte over a move but are unwilling to meet PSG's £59 million valuation. They are considering proposing a loan with an option to buy.

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Ex-Manchester United star Edinson Cavani played a role in Manuel Ugarte's PSG move

Edinson Cavani convinced Manuel Ugarte to join PSG.

Manchester United needn't look further for a verdict on Ugarte than to speak to former striker Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan frontman retired from international football in 2022 but played with the Red Devils target for a year.

Chelsea joined PSG in the race to sign Ugarte last summer but missed out to the Ligue 1 giants. Cavani seemingly advised the holding midfielder to head to the French capital.

Ugarte shed light on this shortly after arriving in Paris. He told L'Equipe:

"We had talked about PSG with Edi, but well before contact with the club. He told me about the relationship he had with his partners, the atmosphere here. He told me it’s an incredible city, a great club where there is everything. When I arrived I realized how much he is loved here."

Ugarte looked set to be PSG's long-term midfield anchor, but that plan hasn't worked out. A move to Manchester United could reignite his form, and he'll join a Red Devils side undergoing a major rebuild.

The 21-cap Uruguay international could slot into midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo, 19. His relentlessness and aggressive playing style could be a good fit for Ten Hag, regardless of PSG's apparent disappointment with him.