Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte says he has sustained what he describes as the most severe injury a footballer can suffer while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup.
United confirmed the 25-year-old picked up a knee ligament injury during Friday’s group-stage defeat to Spain in Guadalajara.
Ugarte twisted awkwardly attempting a tackle in the build-up to Spain’s winner and was carried off on a stretcher. He was examined by Uruguay’s medical team on Saturday and will now return to Manchester for further assessment before the club determines next steps.
Multiple outlets in Uruguay report the injury is to his cruciate ligament, which would sideline him for several months. Ugarte appeared to support that view in an Instagram post on Sunday, calling the setback devastating given the magnitude of the match and saying the experience will stay with him. He added that he intends to come back stronger, taking positives from the setback and starting again after the fall.
United, while awaiting their own tests, are preparing for the possibility of a lengthy absence. “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,” the club said, noting that evaluations are ongoing to determine treatment and a rehabilitation timeline. The statement added that the club wishes him a full recovery and will support him throughout.
Ugarte arrived from Paris St-Germain in 2024 for £50.8m and was expected to attract interest this summer as United look to reshape their midfield. He has struggled to hit top form at Old Trafford, with his most recent appearance coming in the home Premier League defeat to Leeds on 13 April. A summer move, whether permanent or on loan, had been anticipated, but those plans are now uncertain as United focus on his wellbeing.