Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off the pitch in Guadalajara on Friday after twisting awkwardly while attempting a tackle. The 25-year-old Manchester United midfielder had been playing for Uruguay in a World Cup group-stage match against Spain, and the injury occurred in the build-up to Spain’s winning goal. He received lengthy medical treatment before being carried off, visibly distraught.
Manchester United have since confirmed that Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury during the match. 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.” Numerous reports from Uruguay media claim Ugarte has torn his cruciate ligament, an injury that would sideline him for months.
“Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee ligament injury at the World Cup, casting doubt on his Manchester United future.”
On Sunday, Ugarte took to Instagram to describe the moment. “Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country’s history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my team-mates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he wrote. But he vowed to “be back stronger”, adding: “Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense.”
The £50.8m arrival from Paris St-Germain in 2024 has not reached the heights anticipated at Old Trafford. He started just eight Premier League matches last season, his last appearance coming in the home defeat by Leeds on 13 April. It was widely anticipated he would move on this summer, either permanently or on loan, as United prioritise revamping their midfield. The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta’s Ederson.
Now those plans are in doubt. Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain consigned them to an early World Cup exit with just two points from Group H. United’s immediate focus is on Ugarte’s wellbeing, but the long-term implications for their midfield rebuild remain unresolved.