Manuel Ugarte was carried off on a stretcher shortly before half-time, his shirt pulled over his face, after twisting awkwardly while trying to close down Spain midfielder Pedri. The 25-year-old Manchester United midfielder had just suffered what he later described as “the most serious injury a footballer can face”. It happened during Uruguay’s 1-0 World Cup defeat to Spain in Guadalajara on Friday – a defeat that eliminated the two-time champions from Group H with two points.
United confirmed in a statement that Ugarte sustained a knee ligament injury, though the club did not specify whether it was a torn ACL or MCL. “Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale,” the club said. Reports in Uruguay, citing an MRI, claim a cruciate ligament tear – an injury that typically requires surgery and months on the sidelines.
“Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee ligament injury at the World Cup, likely sidelining him for months.”
Ugarte, who joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in a £50.8m deal in 2024, has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. He started only eight Premier League matches last season and did not feature after the home defeat to Leeds on 13 April. With United prioritising a midfield overhaul this summer, Ugarte had been expected to be sold, either permanently or on loan, to help raise funds. The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta’s Ederson as part of that rebuild.
Now those plans are in doubt. The severity of Ugarte’s injury makes a summer departure unlikely, forcing United to reassess their transfer strategy while focusing on the player’s wellbeing. On Instagram on Sunday, Ugarte wrote: “Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country’s history … is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense.” He vowed to “be back stronger”.
For now, United are braced for the worst. Ugarte will travel to Manchester for further tests before a final decision on treatment is made.