Arne Slot snubbed chance to sign 23-year-old Manchester United star after being offered his services following Liverpool appointment: Reports

Liverpool head coach rejected the opportunity to add Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte to his ranks ahead of the ongoing season, according to Metro.

Last summer, Ugarte popped up as a hot topic with the Red Devils pursuing his signature. He left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) following a disappointing stint and joined the Old Trafford side in a potential £51 million transfer past August.

Ugarte, who was reportedly offered to a host of clubs last summer, has endured a below-par start to life at Manchester United. The 23-year-old has started 16 of his 22 total appearances for Ruben Amorim's outfit so far this campaign.

However, the Uruguay international produced a fine outing in the Red Devils' 2-2 league draw at Liverpool on January 5. He completed 36 of his 41 passes and won three of his four tackles and eight of his 17 total duels earlier this Sunday.

Paul Scholes identifies star who should partner Manchester United player after Liverpool draw

During a recent chat on Premier League Productions, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was asked if Manuel Ugarte should be considered a crucial starter for his club. He replied (h/t Metro):

"Yeah, he has to be and I think all them [Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Kobbie Mainoo] are capable of playing with him. I think Mainoo would be the best one once he's right, once he's playing and his fitness is better."

Scholes, who represented the Red Devils 718 times as a player, added:

"Partnerships all over the pitch are important and you look at Manchester United, you don't really see any partnerships, you don't see links between players. Ugarte and another one are more than capable of playing for that team. And not just Ugarte for his legs... I even think his quality on the ball, it surprised me a little bit because I did see a bit of him at PSG."

Opining on Ugarte's performance against Liverpool, Scholes concluded:

"He's probably done better than I thought he would do. [Amorim] said before that Ugarte did well for him at Sporting CP, as a really young player as well, so he knows him. This lad is really growing in confidence. He took up some great positions, he helped defensively, he helped with the attack and he had the composure to take the ball as well. It looks to me like it has to be him with another."

Starting alongside Ugarte in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Kobbie Mainoo turned heads with his great performance at Liverpool. The 19-year-old completed 22 of his 29 passes, and won two of his four tackles and six of his 16 contested duels too.

Both Ugarte and Mainoo could next be in action in Manchester United's FA Cup third round tie against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday (January 12).