Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte is determined to return stronger after suffering a serious ligament injury in his left knee, which has left him feeling at “rock bottom.”
The Manchester United midfielder was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Spain in their final Group H match, a result that resulted in Uruguay’s elimination from the tournament.
Manchester United released a statement indicating that they are assessing the best treatment options for Ugarte.
“A few days have passed since the incident,” Ugarte stated in an Instagram post.
“Suffering one of the most severe injuries a footballer can endure during such a pivotal match for my country, and not being able to support my teammates until the final whistle, is something that will resonate with me forever.”
“Experiencing such a low point will ultimately strengthen me in every way, and I strongly believe that’s true,” Ugarte remarked. “I have no doubt that when life wants you to stop, it will find a way to make it clear.”
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“It’s up to me to find the positives in this situation. Success in life lies in getting back up every time you fall… I will return stronger than before.”
During the 2025-26 season, Ugarte made 22 Premier League appearances for United, including eight starts.
He started every match for Uruguay in the World Cup group stage, but the South American team struggled, finishing with just two points from matches against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, failing to win a single game.