Man Utd passed on two midfielders before making their move to sign Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United had the chance to sign two other midfielders this summer before striking a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Manuel Ugarte.
United will pay an initial £42.2 million to make the 23-year-old their fifth and, barring a last-minute deadline day scramble, final signing of the transfer window.
Ugarte has been United's primary target in the middle of the park all summer, and they'll finally get their man with hours to spare.
Reigning Ligue 1 champions PSG had played hardball with the Red Devils over the last few months, despite Ugarte agreeing personal terms in July.
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United were ready to walk away from a deal if it looked unlikely, with the recent sales of Facundo Pellistri to Panathinaikos and Hannibal Mejbri to Burnley finally making room for Ugarte to join.
It's a strategy rarely seen at Old Trafford, with the previous footballing structure regularly throwing money at targets to get them over the line.
Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, United now have a shortlist of targets in every position.
Per the Daily Mail, the two names mentioned internally were Dutch duo Jerdy Schouten and Teun Koopmeiners.
PSV Eindhoven star Schouten impressed for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, helping his country to the semi-finals before elimination at the hands of England.
Manager Erik Ten Hag is said to be a fan of his fellow countryman and would've backed a move if negotiations for Ugarte stalled.
Koopmeiners, meanwhile, joined Juventus from Atalanta on Wednesday for £46 million.
United's midfield received heavy criticism last season. Supporters and pundits slammed Casemiro's drop-off in form, plus Mason Mount's lack of availability.
The emergence of teenager Kobbie Mainoo was the only bright spark as United limped eighth in the Premier League.
Victory over bitter rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup didn't hide the fact United required significant incomings and outgoings under the new regime.
They're still hoping to resolve Jadon Sancho's future before the window slams shut on Friday evening.
Juventus and Chelsea are battling for the winger's signature after he failed to make the squad for games against Fulham and Brighton.
Daniel Marland