Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has said he suffered “the most serious injury a footballer can face” after a knee ligament injury during Uruguay’s 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain in Guadalajara.
The 25-year-old twisted awkwardly while closing down Spain midfielder Pedri in the build-up to the winning goal and had to be carried off on a stretcher. He was assessed by Uruguay’s medical staff on Saturday and will now travel to Manchester for further tests.
“Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte says he suffered 'the most serious injury a footballer can face' during Uruguay's World Cup defeat.”
“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,” Ugarte wrote on Instagram.
He added: “Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that’s the case here. Without a doubt, when life wants you to stop, it finds a way to let you know. It’s up to me to take the positives from this. Success in life is about starting again every time you fall.”
Manchester United confirmed the injury in a statement: “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. 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.”
Uruguay’s football federation said: “We will continue working together through the evaluation process to later confirm the full extent and severity of the injury.”
The injury is a heavy blow for Ugarte, whose United career has yet to gain momentum since he joined in a £50.8m deal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. His last appearance was when he started the home Premier League defeat by Leeds on 13 April, and he started only eight league matches in 2025-26.
He had gone into the World Cup knowing he was likely to be in the shop window given United have prioritised revamping their midfield. It was widely anticipated he would move on this summer, either permanently or on loan, but those plans are now in doubt. The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta’s Ederson as they look to strengthen.