Injury nightmare confirmed for Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United midfielder suffered knee ligament damage during Uruguay’s defeat to Spain on Saturday.
While it seemed an innocuous incident, it was quickly obvious that it was a serious injury and tests have since confirmed that.
Uruguayan journalist Rodri Vázquez posted on X on Sunday afternoon that an MRI has confirmed that Ugarte has suffered torn cruciate ligaments.
A statement from Manchester United on Sunday read: ‘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.
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‘Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale.
His World Cup campaign was over regardless as Uruguay are heading home after a terribly disappointing group stage.
The 1-0 loss to Spain followed draws with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, leaving Marcelo Bielsa’s side third in the group but with just two points.
The severity of the injury may impact Ugarte’s future beyond this summer as Manchester United may now struggle to sell him.
Two seasons at Old Trafford have produced little of note from the former PSG player and the Red Devils’ midfield revamp is not expected to include him.
However, if he is now going to be out of action for the rest of 2026, then a summer exit looks very unlikely.
If Manchester United are unable to bring in a transfer fee for Ugarte and get his wages off their books, that could hurt their chances of signing the midfield reinforcements they are looking at.
The Red Devils will recoup some money through the FIFA Club Protection Programme (CPP), though, which compensates clubs for injuries suffered by players on international duty.
As for Uruguay, it was a nightmare World Cup campaign led by Bielsa, who gave a brutal take on his reign after defeat to Spain.
‘What I gave Uruguayan football is nothing, because any contribution a coach makes to a national team over three years is futile without positive outcomes,’ he said.
‘I don’t need to speak any further about our performance at the World Cup.
He added: ‘The journalists, the Uruguayan supporters, you all want to blame me for what happened, and I must take the blame. It is the only right thing to do.’
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