Manuel Ugarte will not feature for Manchester United against Liverpool on Sunday, as the club have failed to register him in time.
Ugarte spent two seasons with Sporting until 2023, establishing himself as one of Europe's most promising defensive midfielders before being snapped up by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Uruguayan has been United's top target for the majority of the summer and the Red Devils finally managed to strike a deal with the Ligue 1 champions for his signature last week.
United have been active in the transfer market this summer, selling seven senior players and allowing four others to leave on free transfers.
Erik ten Hag's side also made several new signings, including Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee, while also outmanoeuvring Real Madrid to secure the signing of young defender Leny Yoro.
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United miss registration deadline for Ugarte to feature against Liverpool
While Ugarte is set to become Manchester United's latest signing, he will not feature for the Red Devils this weekend against arch-rivals Liverpool.
United would have needed to complete the deal for Ugarte by midday today for the Uruguayan to be eligible for this weekend's match.
It is understood that while the 23-year-old has been in Manchester for the past 24 hours and completed his medical, his deal was not signed off before the clock struck 12.
United are said to have felt that getting him ready to face the Reds would have been a stretch and also indicated that the midfielder might not have been ready to play a significant role due to limited game time during pre-season.
The Red Devils will now look to ensure the midfielder is ready for their match against Southampton following the international break.
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Who else could depart Old Trafford today?
While Man United look to announce Ugarte's signing imminently, the Red Devils are also believed to be working on a deal for young defender Sonny Aljofree to join Accrington Stanley on loan.
The 19-year-old centre-back is hoping to move before the deadline to gain first-team experience and is set to join the League Two side on an initial season-long loan.
Aljofree spent time on loan with National League side Altrincham last season and will become the second United loanee to sign for Stanley if his move is approved.
In the final days of the summer transfer window, United have sought to loan out several young prospects, including finalising a deal for defender Rhys Bennett to join Fleetwood Town on a season-long loan.
Another youngster who could depart before the 11 pm deadline is academy goalkeeper Elyh Harrison.
Devesh Jaganath
