Reports suggest Manchester United face a busy summer of departures, with Manuel Ugarte among the names linked to a move. Sky Sport Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg writes that the Uruguay international is “planning a transfer ” and is said to have “many options” available.

United are preparing to replace Casemiro after his confirmed exit when his contract expires. The Brazilian’s departure is not expected to automatically increase Ugarte’s minutes. The club is said to want a new starter alongside Kobbie Mainoo in 2026–27 and beyond, whether that is Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Éderson or someone else. United are also increasingly tipped to sign one or possibly two additional players as depth options for the No. 6 and No. 8 positions.

Plettenberg added that Galatasaray was a “concrete” possibility last summer. Juventus have been heavily linked this year, and there has been speculation about Napoli, AC Milan, Lyon, Marseille and Ajax.

The squad changes extend beyond Ugarte. Altay Bayındır is primed to head somewhere—probably Türkiye—where he will start. André Onana will soon finish his Trabzonspor loan but remains behind Senne Lammens in United’s pecking order and likely would not stay for a backup role. Retaining Tom Heaton on another one-year contract as third choice would make sense given the turnover in the department.

Marcus Rashford’s future is uncertain because of Barcelona’s unwillingness to use the option to buy in last summer’s loan agreement. He could return to Old Trafford, head back to Catalonia on a second loan, or sign permanently elsewhere. Rasmus Højlund is set to join Napoli permanently once expected Champions League qualification triggers the conditional obligation to buy in his loan. Jadon Sancho will be out of contract when his Aston Villa loan ends and is not expected to return.

Joshua Zirkzee has remained a fringe figure this season and may seek more minutes elsewhere. Tyrell Malacia will soon become a free agent and a left-back signing is possible.

United signed Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024 in a $66.7 million (£50.5 million) deal after his breakout spell with Sporting CP. On arrival in 2023 he said, “When I win the ball back, I’m happy,” he told club media in the French capital upon arriving in 2023. His early adaptation was hampered by wide-scale instability at the club, including uncertainty over Erik ten Hag’s future and the manager’s dismissal by October of 2024. His first Premier League start ended in a 3–0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, after which he was immediately dropped.

Reports suggest Casemiro, the five-time Champions League winner and Manchester United’s top earner, may be prepared to lower his salary to enable a summer transfer to Inter Miami. Sky Sports News say the Herons are among several U.S. clubs linked with the midfielder and that their chief advantage is Lionel Messi.

The account adds that Casemiro’s regard for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could prompt a pay compromise. That concession would matter given the strict wage regulations in place across MLS, which can constrain negotiations even for high-profile targets.

Casemiro has a long history of facing Messi on the biggest stages and, on occasion, has spoken warmly of the Argentine. “I think that Messi marked an era,” Casemiro told Placar in the summer of 2023. “He’s always been a rival, he’s always been at Barcelona, he’s always been at Argentina. There’s no escaping him.”

“It was a pleasure to watch him play, it was a pleasure to play against him. I didn’t have the opportunity to play with him, unfortunately,” he added. At that time Messi was seeking a new club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain earlier that summer. “If you want more, I’m there too,” Casemiro laughed. Is the door open, he was asked. “For Messi, yes!”

Despite supporters and some teammates repeatedly urging the midfielder to remain for “one more year,” the 34-year-old appears set on leaving Manchester United. On that subject he has been equally clear. “I don’t think there’s a chance, there’s no chance,” Casemiro told ESPN . “Mostly because of what I said, you know? Go out the big door, I think it was four beautiful, wonderful years and I am eternally grateful not only to the club, but to the fans.

“But I think I have to leave in good terms, I have to go out on top. I will be an eternal United fan here in England and I just have to thank all the love from the fans.”

Matheus Cunha has suggested that many within the Manchester United squad would welcome Casemiro staying beyond this campaign, despite the Brazilian’s public indications that he is ready to move on.

Cunha made the point after Sunday’s win over Liverpool, underlining Casemiro’s influence both on the pitch and in the dressing room. “I play with him in the national team and I know how important he is. He’s an amazing guy and to have this guy in the dressing room is a privilege,” the forward told reporters.

The midfielder has produced arguably his best form since arriving in England from Real Madrid and his experience is a clear asset. As a five-time European champion with Real Madrid, Casemiro’s knowledge would be valuable when Manchester United return to the Champions League in 2026–27.

Cunha added that uncertainty over contract details leaves room for hope. “We don’t know in the end how it is with his contract. [But] then, of course, we—everyone—hope there’s a little bit more. I know it’s harder than we talked about, but, in the end, you never know.”

At 34, Casemiro is described in the draft as not old by today’s standards and clearly a popular dressing-room figure. The piece highlights that his continued presence could act as a morale boost and that United might manage his minutes, with the option of reducing Premier League appearances to focus on European fixtures.

The article also notes the squad’s underlying need for reinforcements. Even before Casemiro’s departure was announced, Manchester United required midfield strengthening. Now the team reportedly needs three or possibly four new midfielders ahead of next season. If Casemiro were to remain, the immediate task of replacing him directly could be deferred until 2027.

Those are the positions and considerations facing the club as the season progresses and questions over Casemiro’s future remain open.