Manchester United are waiting to discover the full extent of Manuel Ugarte's injury after the midfielder was stretchered off in distress during Uruguay's 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain in Guadalajara. Ugarte twisted awkwardly as he contested possession with his own teammate, Mathias Olivera, who collapsed onto the United player's outstretched leg. The 25-year-old was distraught as he left the pitch, sparking fears of a significant problem.
Ugarte, a £50.8m arrival from Paris St-Germain in 2024, has not reached the heights anticipated at Old Trafford and did not feature for a single minute after starting the home Premier League defeat by Leeds on 13 April. It was widely anticipated he would move on this summer, either permanently or on loan. Now those plans are in doubt, with thoughts at United focused on the wellbeing of a player it was hoped would enjoy some good fortune to kick-start his career.
“Manuel Ugarte's serious injury during Uruguay's World Cup defeat threatens Manchester United's summer transfer plans.”
The injury comes as United prioritise revamping their midfield, with expectations that at least two or three new players would be added. The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta's Ederson, but plans for his medical before pre-season training on 9 July were scrapped when Ederson earned a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad. The intention is for his medical to take place after Brazil's campaign ends.
United are also pursuing West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, though Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to offer a superior financial package. Talks have intensified during the final week of June, driven by West Ham's financial circumstances, with Spurs said to be ready to meet the £80m valuation. Spanish outlet Marca reported fresh dialogue from Old Trafford, with United willing to enhance their contract proposal and enter direct negotiations with West Ham.
United had been keen on Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson but backed out when the immense cost—both transfer fee and wages—became clear. They also rate Bournemouth's Alex Scott and had a bid turned down last summer by Brighton for Carlos Baleba. A lengthy injury to Ugarte could affect the finance available to buy players, though FIFA's Club Protection Programme will cover his wages if sidelined for at least 28 consecutive days, up to a maximum of €7.5m (£6.6m). With United having planned to bring in three midfielders, contingent on selling Ugarte, the injury now throws their summer plans into serious doubt.