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SportsSir Jim Ratcliffe sells Nice midfielder Ilie; Man Utd open to Ugarte exit
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The article reports on two related transfer developments involving Sir Jim Ratcliffe's football operations. At Manchester United, where Ratcliffe controls football operations, the club has prioritized midfield recruitment with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans already arriving, and a third midfielder being pursued. This has increased uncertainty around Manuel Ugarte, who has struggled since his £42.3 million move from PSG in 2024, making only eight Premier League starts last season. United are willing to consider offers despite potentially taking a financial loss on his £120,000-a-week wages. Separately, OGC Nice, which Ratcliffe and INEOS own, has officially confirmed the permanent transfer of Romanian midfielder Rares Ilie to Serie B side Mantova 1911. Ilie joined Nice in 2022 but made only ten appearances, spending most of his time on loan at clubs including Maccabi Tel Aviv, Lausanne-Sport, Catanzaro, and Empoli. Ratcliffe has been seeking to sell Nice since 2024.
Source report
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his leadership team have made midfield recruitment a central focus of Manchester United's summer transfer plans.
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have already arrived at Old Trafford, while the club continues working on a third midfield addition.
These moves have increased uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguay international has struggled to justify the £42.3 million fee United paid Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. Ugarte made only eight Premier League starts last season and has barely featured since Michael Carrick's arrival in January.
United are now willing to consider offers, although his £120,000-per-week salary could complicate a departure. The club is even prepared to accept a financial loss if a suitable buyer emerges before the transfer window closes.
INEOS Sanctions Permanent Midfield Departure
OGC Nice have officially confirmed that Rares Ilie has joined Mantova 1911 on a permanent transfer. The French club announced the deal through their official website after reaching an agreement with the Serie B side.
Ilie joined Nice from Rapid Bucharest in the summer of 2022 but made only ten competitive appearances for the club. His final outing came against Montpellier during the 2024/25 season.
The 23-year-old spent much of his four years away from Nice on loan, representing:
- Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Lausanne-Sport
- Catanzaro
- Empoli
He has now completed his permanent move to Italy. Nice wished Ilie success as he begins the next chapter of his career with Mantova.
Ratcliffe and INEOS own Nice, while the British billionaire also holds a minority stake in Manchester United and controls football operations at Old Trafford. However, Ratcliffe has been looking to sell the Ligue 1 club since 2024. Reports earlier this year claimed that the asking price had continued to fall after INEOS struggled to attract a buyer.
Ilie's departure removes another player from the Nice squad as the club continues reshaping ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
This article first appeared on centredevils and was syndicated with permission.
Source
Yardbarker: SoccerWestern
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe Sells Midfielder Rares Ilie from OGC Nice After Four Years