‘INEOS, pull the trigger’ – Man Utd fans urge the club to sign €50m alternative after Red Devils cool interest in Manuel Ugarte due to PSG’s asking price

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Manchester United fans have urged the club to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi after reportedly cooling their interest in Manuel Ugarte.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to The Athletic, United are looking for alternatives to Ugarte, 23, as they are put off by his asking price – which is upwards of £50 million ($63.85m). Now, Red Devils supporters believe minority owners INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe should switch their attention to €50m-rated (£42.8m/$54.7m) Spain star Zubimendi.

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

@UTDCollin posted photos of Zubimendi, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo and wrote on X: “This midfield Trio would dominate the premier league. Bring Martin Zubimendi to Manchester United 🔴👀.”

@TenHagEra tweeted: “INEOS, pull the trigger and bring in Zubimendi…,” along with a video compilation of the midfielder.

@CantonasMind commented: “Sir Jim [Ratcliffe] & INEOS, take a good look at Martin Zubimendi because he’s an absolute baller btw…”

@AlexMUFC18 put: “Zubimendi to Man Utd, who says no?”, while @utddehzan added: “GET ZUBIMENDI NOW @ManUtd🔥.”

Finally, @utdbaki posted: “Manuel Ugarte off the table, no worries. Bring me Martín Zubimendi✨.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

United have made just two signings this summer in centre-back Leny Yoro and striker Joshua Zirkzee – but the former has already picked up an injury that will rule him out for three months. If they want to improve on last season’s disappointing campaign, it could be argued they need to strengthen their midfield and across the pitch, too.

DID YOU KNOW?

Zubimendi has spent his entire career at Sociedad after making his first-team debut in the 2018-19 season. Since then, he has become a Spain international – helping his country win Euro 2024 – and a highly-rated defensive midfielder. If the 5ft 11in player does leave, he will not go on the cheap, though, as he still has three years left on his current deal.

WHAT NEXT?

Unless anything changes fairly quickly, however, Zubimendi will prepare for Sociedad’s La Liga opener on August 18 when they host Rayo Vallecano for the start of the new season. It remains to be seen if United will pursue the San Sebastian-born player.