Manuel Ugarte left the pitch in tears, his face buried under his shirt, as he was stretchered off during Uruguay's must-win World Cup clash with Spain – a freak injury that could now jeopardise Manchester United's planned midfield overhaul.
The Manchester United midfielder started in Group H's decisive fixture, but disaster struck just before half-time. Ugarte, alongside teammates Rodrigo Bentancur and Mathias Olivera, converged to tackle Spain's Pedri. As Pedri released the pass, Ugarte accidentally collided into Olivera, his studs appearing to get stuck in the turf. The 24-year-old immediately stayed down, clutching his knee, and required on-field treatment. He could not get up to walk off, let alone continue, and was carried down the tunnel wiping away tears.
“Manuel Ugarte stretchered off in tears after freak collision; Uruguay eliminated from World Cup.”
To compound Uruguay's anguish, Spain played on despite Ugarte being down. Alex Baena capitalised on a calamitous mistake from veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera – a tame effort that the 40-year-old somehow let bounce in off his hands – to put Spain 1-0 up. Uruguay wanted the ball put out of play but were ignored. Muslera was sensationally dropped at half-time, but the damage was done.
The goal stood as the only one of the game, ending 1-0. That result ensured Spain finished top of Group H, while Uruguay were eliminated in third place on just two points. Agustin Canobbio saw red in injury time with a wild lunge, adding to Uruguay's misery.
For Manchester United, the injury could have huge transfer ramifications. Ugarte, signed in the summer, has been a key part of Ruben Amorim's midfield plans, and his fitness is now a major concern with a potential overhaul at risk. The club faces a nervous wait as Ugarte's knee injury is assessed.