Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Tue 14 April 2026 10:30, UK

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Newcastle United must move for Monaco star Lamine Camara ahead of Man United’s Manuel Ugarte this summer after he looked way off the pace against Leeds.

Ugarte has been linked with a move to Newcastle ahead of a summer that promises change and a potential midfield overhaul at St James’ Park.

The Uruguay international was handed a chance to prove his worth to Man United with a start against Leeds on Monday, but looked way off the pace and was hounded by fans for his poor performance.

He is not the only midfield target known to be on the Magpies’ radar, with Monaco star Camara also admired as he impresses in Ligue 1.

Both players are of a similar profile and would surely entertain moves to Tyneside, but only Camara should be a part of Newcastle’s transfer plans this summer.

Manuel Ugarte’s performance vs Leeds must put Newcastle off a summer move

Ugarte was brought into Man United’s starting eleven in place of the injured Kobbie Mainoo, and it felt like no coincidence that they were outplayed by a relentless Leeds side in the middle of the park.

He struggled to progress the ball forward, as shown by his lack of attacking statistics, and looked off the pace throughout on his first league start since 7 January.

Roy Keane slammed United’s “non-existent” midfield that had “no energy or quality” while live on Sky Sports, and their fans laid into Ugarte on social media after the game.

Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle are keen on signing Ugarte this summer, with midfield exits on the horizon, but they cannot have been impressed by this performance and clearly should look elsewhere.

Lamine Camara would be a much smarter midfield signing for Newcastle

Newcastle have been scouting Camara this season, according to Football Insider’s sources, and Ugarte’s poor showing should push them towards sealing the Monaco star’s signature this summer.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising midfielders in Ligue 1 this season, with four assists in 20 appearances up to now.

He ranks highly among midfielders in the division for chances created, duels won, fouls won, tackles and interceptions per game, and is known to be admired by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Newcastle should still feel confident of securing his signature this summer, as they will be able to promise him more game time than any bigger sides, especially with the futures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes both uncertain.

Camara would likely be more expensive than Ugarte, but clearly represents a much shrewder signing this summer, especially after the Uruguayan’s shoddy showing on Monday night.