'I thought Man Utd transfer was a done deal - I know what Ten Hag will do next'

Manchester United target Manuel Ugarte would be an ideal holding midfield recruit, says former winger Lee Sharpe.

PSG's Uruguayan enforcer has been linked with a move to United for most of this summer after it became apparent last season that Casemiro couldn't man the fort alone.

The two parties have so far been unable to agree on a price, with Les Parisiens reportedly demanding £51million for the player as they wish to recoup the exact fee paid to Sporting CP for his services last year.

Personal terms are said to have been agreed, so it is now up to both clubs to get a deal done. Sharpe believes that Ugarte would slot perfectly into Erik ten Hag's side and should be a transfer priority.

With another potential option, Frenkie de Jong, revealing that he is happy to stay at Barcelona amidst renewed interest from Ten Hag's side, Ugarte could be the sole candidate to fill United's void besides bringing back former loanee Sofyan Amrabat.

Ugarte has been deemed surplus to requirements under Luis Enrique after poor performances, and a deal including Jadon Sancho has been mooted despite United having already made four signings this window.

Sharpe believes Ugarte would be a perfect signing and expects Ten Hag to some kind of replacement for Casemiro, whether that be the PSG star or another target.

“I’ve seen bits of Manuel Ugarte at PSG, which I thought was a done deal to Manchester United at one point," Sharpe told Highest Payout Online Casino. "I still think he’d be a great fit in midfield for the club this season, so I would like to see that move happen.

“I think Casemiro is going to have to be at his best playing in midfield this season. It’s a brutal league to win games in. Everyone is so powerful, so fit, you can’t carry any passengers.

“There’s no doubting his footballing ability, he can see the pass early and break things down really well. I think the only question mark around him is his legs and his ability to get around the pitch, which is filled by quicker players around him.

“Casemiro did struggle a bit last season and I’m just wondering whether Erik ten Hag has seen something in him in preseason and if he’s got him a little bit fitter, dropping a bit of weight and looking a bit sharper?"

Casemiro was linked with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League this summer. However, the 32-year-old now looks set to remain at Old Trafford - though Sharpe still expects a new player to come in over the top of the Brazilian.

“I wouldn’t be upset if Casemiro was the starting central defensive midfielder this season," added Sharpe. "Toby Collyer can help him out every so often. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if Casemiro goes and they bring someone new in like Ugarte.”