Manchester United have confirmed Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury during Uruguay’s World Cup defeat to Spain, with the midfielder now facing further assessment in Manchester.
The 25-year-old was stretchered off during Friday’s match in Guadalajara after twisting awkwardly while attempting a tackle in the build-up to Spain’s winning goal.
Ugarte was examined by Uruguay’s medical staff following the game and will now undergo additional tests with United before a decision is made on treatment and a recovery timeline.
Reports in Uruguay have suggested the midfielder may have suffered a cruciate ligament injury, although United are waiting for the results of their own assessments before confirming the severity of the problem.
“Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury whilst representing Uruguay in Friday’s World Cup group-stage match against Spain,” the club said in a statement.
“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale.
“Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”
Injury clouds Ugarte’s future plans
The injury comes at a difficult time for Ugarte, who had entered the World Cup with uncertainty surrounding his future at Old Trafford.
United signed the Uruguay international from Paris Saint-Germain for £50.8 million in 2024, but he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
His most recent appearance came in the Premier League defeat by Leeds on 13 April, and he did not feature again during the closing weeks of the season.
With United expected to overhaul their midfield this summer, it had been widely anticipated that Ugarte could leave the club, either on loan or in a permanent transfer.
Any lengthy spell on the sidelines could now complicate those plans, with attention instead focused on his recovery.
Midfield rebuild remains a priority
United are continuing with plans to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season, with multiple additions expected.
A £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson has already been agreed, although his medical has been delayed after the Brazilian received a late call-up to his country’s World Cup squad.
The expectation is that Ederson will complete his medical once Brazil’s tournament campaign ends before reporting to Carrington following a mandatory three-week break.
United also explored a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, but withdrew because of the financial package required to complete the transfer.
Negotiations with West Ham over Mateus Fernandes remain ongoing, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are also among the players admired by the club’s recruitment team.
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