Manchester United could reportedly use Manuel Ugarte as a makeweight in a summer deal to land AC Milan star Rafael Leao. Ugarte's prospects at United have been the subject of intense speculation for several months, particularly following Ruben Amorim's departure from the club. Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager in January and uncertainty continues to surround who will take the permanent role next season.

Against this backdrop of instability, Ugarte's long-term future at Old Trafford appears far from secure, with reports suggesting a summer exit could well be on the horizon. Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed that Ugarte's agent, Jorge Mendes, has offered the midfielder to both AC Milan and Juventus.

Milan are reportedly expected to part company with Leao, with the Portugal international understood to be firmly on United's radar this summer.

The same report suggests that Milan are prepared to entertain offers for Leao, with numerous other outlets indicating that the forward carries a price tag of around £43million.

Milan inserted a £152m release clause into Leao's contract, yet it has been suggested it will be 'impossible' for the Serie A giants to command that figure this summer.

They are also said to be exploring the prospect of bringing in Marcus Rashford from United as a potential successor to Leao.

Whether Ugarte's situation will be resolved over the coming weeks and months remains to be seen.

He has racked up 69 appearances for United since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, yet has featured only 24 times for the club this season, including seven outings under Carrick.

It comes after Kobbie Mainoo signed a new long-term deal at United, tying the young midfielder to Old Trafford until the summer of 2031.

Ugarte was named in United's starting XI for the defeat against Leeds earlier this month, with Carrick subsequently explaining his decision to recall the midfielder to the side.

"Manu comes in tonight," Carrick told Sky Sports. "He came on and did well for us in the last game at Bournemouth and went away and played well for Uruguay so he's well up to speed.

"He's been great in training and done great all the way through really and part of what we've done, even though it's not obvious because Kobbie (Mainoo) and Case (Casemiro) have played a lot.

"So yeah, comes in tonight, big opportunity for him to show himself and we deal with Kobbie being out."

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