The injury
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury during Uruguay’s World Cup defeat to Spain in Guadalajara. The 25-year-old twisted awkwardly while making a tackle in the build-up to Spain’s winning goal and was stretchered off the pitch.
Uruguayan media reports suggest Ugarte has suffered a cruciate ligament injury, which would rule him out for several months.
Ugarte’s emotional response
Posting on Instagram, Ugarte described it as “the most serious injury a footballer can face” and said the moment would “stay with me for the rest of my life.”
“Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that’s the case here,” he wrote. “Success in life is about starting again every time you fall.”
He has vowed to “be back stronger” from the setback.
Manchester United’s response
United confirmed the injury and said Ugarte will travel to Manchester for further tests. The club stated they will “support him every step of the way.”
Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for £50.8m but has not reached the heights expected. His last appearance was a Premier League defeat to Leeds in April, and it was widely anticipated he would leave this summer.
Impact on United’s transfer plans
United have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, whose medical was delayed by a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad.
The club had also been interested in Elliot Anderson but pulled out due to the cost. Talks with West Ham over Mateus Fernandes continue, with Tottenham also keen.
A lengthy injury to Ugarte could affect the amount of money United have available for transfers this summer.
What to watch
The full extent of Ugarte’s injury will be confirmed after tests in Manchester. If it is a cruciate ligament injury, he could miss most of the 2026-27 season.
For Uruguay, the loss of Ugarte is a significant blow as they look to progress in the knockout rounds.
