Manchester United target player with 'potential' as Manuel Ugarte transfer alternative

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo, as per TNT Sports in Brazil. The Brazilian is the latest name to emerge on the radar of Erik ten Hag’s side in this transfer window.

The Red Devils could do with some more depth in the middle of the park, especially with there question marks over the long-term futures of Casemiro and Scott McTominay. They have until the deadline later this month to conclude any incoming or outgoing bits of business.

United may see Danilo, who is 23-year-old, as a potential long-term option in midfield. He joined Nottingham Forest in 2023 and has since become one of their most prized assets. They could face a battle to keep hold of him between now and the end of the transfer window.

Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast (via TEAMtalk), journalist Fabrizio Romano suggested the Red Devils’ ‘dream’ target in Danilo’s position is PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and said: “Yes, there will be movement, for sure, Manchester United are not done. These two signings [Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui] were really important, especially after the injuries they suffered already in these first weeks of the new season.

“Then also the conditions of Malacia and Luke Shaw, who are often injured. So this is why Manchester United decided to go very strong as soon as possible on these two signings, but they will continue. Something in the midfield is also expected. The top target, the dream target, remains, Manuel Ugarte, who is considered perfect internally. But here the main issue is the price."

United could see Danilo as a possible alternative though if they can’t land Ugarte. The Salvador-born man caught the eye playing in his native country for Palmeiras before he was lured over to Europe.

He has since made 49 appearances in all competitions since his transfer to the City Ground and helped his current team stay up last term. His contract expires in June 2029 meaning he has plenty of years left and they are under no pressure to cash in on him anytime soon.

Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo said in an interview in February that Danilo is a player with a lot of ‘potential’, as per ESPN Brazil: “That’s very important. When a player arrives in a league as difficult as the Premier League, where you compete against a very high level, you need time. Danilo needs time, he has a lot of growing to do, he has very good qualities. 

“He’s a midfielder with a lot of ability to cover the pitch, with stamina, to play out wide, he’s got a goal, as he’s shown, he’s got a good arrival in the area. Now, there are aspects that he needs to improve a lot, such as his decision-making, the accuracy of his passes, there are aspects he needs to improve. He has a lot of potential, we want to make him grow so that he can be the player we all hope for, a top player.”